Each month we profile a staff member from our School of Nursing community. In March, we feature Maria Elena DeGuzman.
Staff—Maria Elena DeGuzman 
Area of focus: Student Funding
Years at UCSF: ~15 years
What’s the best part of the work you do: The interaction with students and the opportunity to assist them with their funding concerns. I also appreciate the personal stories that they share – how they ended up at UCSF School of Nursing and what challenges they had to overcome along the way. This gives me a better perspective of what types of funding would be appropriate for them, and the value of the work that I do and how it can make a difference in other people’s lives.
I also enjoy the interaction with my co-workers. Funding is not just one person’s job but truly a collaboration of creative thinkers and partners who share the same goals and vision. This is why I love my job.
Hobbies: I like crafting using different materials. It is my creative outlet. Every piece of work that I do, for me, is truly a labor of love.
Fun fact about you: I have been told I have a knack for storytelling. I share stories that crack people up without my really trying. It’s really strange to me that I elicit quite a bit of laughter when I didn’t intend to be funny. My daughter says I should write a book about my stories.
Useful tip for prospective students: Getting admitted is winning half the battle. Graduate studies is expensive so be prepared to shoulder the cost if you cannot get enough loans or scholarships. UCSF is a state institution so we do not have enough resources for all our students. We also depend on the generosity of our private donors for our scholarships. It can be quite stressful if you have to juggle finances and schoolwork.
Useful tip for incoming students: Apply for the FAFSA to qualify for funding. Follow the funding bulletin on the “Nurse Weekly” for opportunities. Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Keep your grades up and your hopes high.