Rosie Luna's journey through education and career advancement is marked by resilience and dedication. Born in Eagle Pass, Texas, she moved to Dade City, Florida with her family to benefit from the opportunities provided by the state's climate for migrant farm workers. As a child, Luna traveled extensively across the United States with her parents and four siblings to harvest fruit and vegetables.
"In migrant farm families, the entire family works, including the children when school isn’t in session," Luna explained. "Of course, it’s hard work, but at the time, I didn’t know any other life. Even though we were poor and my parents worked long hours, I had a happy childhood. In fact, that life gave me a strong work ethic that was modeled after watching my parents work in the fields."
In 1993, during her senior year of high school, Luna's family relocated to Midland to take advantage of oilfield job opportunities. She graduated from Midland High School in May 1994 and began taking classes at Midland College (MC) that fall. Eventually, she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.
"I always enjoyed healthcare, and I knew that getting an education was a means to a better life," she said. "As a nursing student, I realized that my talents and skills were more aligned with the administrative and management side of healthcare. In fact, I’ve never really worked as a nurse, but the knowledge I learned in nursing school has helped me immensely in my administrative career."
After graduating from MC, Luna worked as a case manager at a rehabilitation facility before serving as executive director of West Texas Physicians Alliance for 18 years. There she managed credentialing processes for over 130 physicians and handled contracts with managed care entities.
"I wanted to continue my education," she said. "But 'life happened.' After marriage, the birth of two daughters and then eventually divorce, it was difficult to find the time and financial resources to go back to school."
In fall 2021, an article about MC's bachelor degree programs in Organizational Management and Health Services Management caught her attention.
"It was always in the back of my mind that I would go back to school," Luna said. "When I came across that article...I thought that's exactly what I need." Encouraged by her future husband Brian Steffenilla's support system cheering her on every step of the way.
In January 2022 Luna enrolled in MC’s online Health Services Management bachelor degree program.
"It was daunting at first," she admitted about returning after over two decades away from academics while ensuring affordability thanks also due scholarship opportunities offered through MC which made going back affordable urging everyone not let finances deter them exploring college options because they offer lots ways helping finance their education.
"Working long-time healthcare administration still unsure learning anything new until realizing how up-to-date curriculum incorporating current trends enabling practical application class material into job duties especially appreciating gaining insights hospital administration having never previously worked hospitals"
Despite initial struggles with algebra switching statistics proved beneficial under professor Joseph Severino while finding traditional face-to-face instruction preferable fostering deeper understanding material culminating successful completion coursework leading graduation May recent marriage June planning future pursuit Master’s Healthcare Administration emphasizing supportive environment created exceptional faculty commitment student success symbolizing special connection felt towards institution continues advocating prospective students explore myriad programs options available particularly recommending Welcome Center resourceful place general information needs.