From Uncertain Dreams to a Clear Calling: Nelson Rodriguez’s Journey to Nursing
When Nelson Rodriguez joined Enterprise for Youth’s summer internship program, he wasn’t sure what career to pursue. His placement at the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living sparked a love for healthcare, leading him to earn his Certified Nursing Assistant certification while still in high school. Today, Nelson works as a CNA and is on track to become a travel nurse, crediting Enterprise for opening the door to his future.
Nelson Rodriguez
San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living Internship (2024)
San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living - CNA (2025)
When Nelson Rodriguez joined Enterprise for Youth’s summer internship program in 2024, he wasn’t sure where his future was headed. A junior at Lincoln High School in San Francisco, Nelson loved cars and imagined becoming a mechanic or even racing professionally. But he also knew those dreams might not be realistic.
Everything changed when Enterprise placed him at the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL) for a healthcare internship. At first, he wasn’t sure nursing was for him — but within weeks, he discovered how much he enjoyed caring for people, listening to their stories, and working as part of the care team.
That summer, Nelson connected with and learned alot from the nurses and physical therapists he met. They shared valuable guidance, pointing him toward the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at the Northern California Nursing Academy. Thanks to a special program through Lincoln High School, his $2,000 tuition was covered, and within five months, Nelson had his CNA certification.
Today, at just 18 yrs old, Nelson works the night shift as a Certified Nursing Assistant at SFCJL while completing nursing prerequisites at City College. His goal: transfer to San Jose State University to earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing — and ultimately become a travel nurse, exploring the country while caring for patients in need.
Nelson credits Enterprise for Youth with opening the door to this future.
It was all thanks to the aid and support from Enterprise for Youth that I was able to discover my true passion and set my main goals in life. Without that first step into the internship, I might never have realized that nursing was the career path for me.
Nelson's advice to other youth:
Don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Seek out programs and resources that can guide you, the right connections can change your life. Most importantly, trust the process and keep an open mind. You might discover something you love in the most unexpected place, just like I did.
With determination, hard work, and the right support, Nelson is well on his way to joining the next generation of skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals, exactly the kind of impact Enterprise aims to make with every young person we serve.
