[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 171 (Thursday, September 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING JUANA DIAZ FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I honor 
Juana Diaz. Juana was born in Polk County, Florida. Her parents 
immigrated from Mexico to the United States and worked as migrant 
workers. When Juana was a child, she recalls living in a migrant camp. 
There, she encountered a public health nurse who came to the camps to 
administer vaccinations and aid the workers in their overall health. 
The impact of that moment led her to believe that she could one day be 
a nurse and help her community.
  In 1996, Juana applied to work at Winter Haven Hospital as a ward 
clerk. After working in the surgical intensive care unit, she recalls 
how the intensive care nurses were compassionate, caring, and 
brilliant, which inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. Juana 
understood that nursing was her calling.
  After graduating from Polk Community College with her associates 
degree in nursing in 2003, Juana began her career in the same unit she 
started as a ward clerk. Throughout her career, Juana has had the 
privilege of helping many of her fellow Hispanic patients and families. 
She understood that language barriers frequently affected the care of 
these patients and made it her duty to help whenever she could. Juana 
obtained her certification in critical care nursing in June of 2009 and 
recently graduated with her bachelor's degree in nursing.
  Juana has a strong work ethic, which she inherited from her parents. 
They came to this country not knowing the language or culture and 
achieved the American dream for themselves and their children.
  For this and more, we honor Juana Diaz.

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