Despite the trauma she suffered as a child, Ma Theresa Quisao regained faith in herself to become a better person and work toward a better life. Though she initially had to overcome academic challenges, Ma Theresa was named to the President’s Honor Roll at Santa Barbara City College, where she eventually became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Now entering her third year in nursing at California State University Channel Islands Extended University at Goleta, Ma Theresa was inducted into the Gamma Beta Phi and Mortar Board Senior Honor Societies for her academic accomplishments. She also volunteers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Santa Barbara’s Cottage Hospital.

Ma Theresa plans to work as a NICU nurse, pursue her master’s degree in nursing and become a clinical instructor or professor for a mother-infant program.