Exemplifying the Healer’s Art

March 2026

Joana Suarez has always been interested in studying nursing. “I just knew I wanted to go into nursing so that I can help people who may be in need,” she says.

Suarez was raised Catholic but converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 14 years old. As she considered her future, she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to afford higher education. Since the costs of college in her home state of California are very high, she was excited to learn about BYU—a more affordable university where classes focused not just on academics but also on the Savior’s teachings. She knew immediately that she wanted to apply. But it was only through the blessing of scholarships that her dream of attending became a reality.

Suarez remembers the day when she learned she had received a scholarship for her freshman year. “I screamed at the top of my lungs in my car,” she says. “I was so grateful, and I prayed and thanked God for this blessing. When I called my mom to tell her the news, she was just crying on the phone with me, and we were both so grateful. She told me, ‘God is watching you.’ Her acknowledging that there was divine intervention in every single door that’s been opened to me was amazing. I can’t ever forget that experience.”

Since that memorable day, Suarez has received additional scholarships, and each time she is incredibly grateful. She says, “Every single time I have received a scholarship, it has come in a time when I desperately needed help. I have felt so much gratitude for the people who are willing to help. They are doing it so selflessly. If it weren’t for the donors who make this possible, I would not be able to be here. I would not have made it this far into college on my own.”

For Suarez, a highlight of her education has been the continual focus on the Healer’s Art. “The biggest thing I love about nursing at BYU is that we’re not just taught nursing skills. We’re taught . . . to exemplify what Christ was on earth and how He healed people here while on His earthly ministry,” she explains. “And that changes everything about nursing. Learning the Healer’s art teaches everything you need to help people in every sense. We are God’s hands on earth. You’re really providing aid and helping somebody who genuinely needs help physically but also spiritually.”

Suarez is looking forward to graduating in December 2026 and is hoping to practice in labor and delivery. To those who donate to scholarships she says, “Being able to receive an education at BYU is life-changing. Not only are you gaining secular education, but you’re really increasing your knowledge of the gospel and seeing how God plays into every aspect of your life.”