Finding Benedictine Balance

Mount Marty University is built on the core values and hallmarks of St. Benedict, including balance, which Trey Lopez '25 has found during his time at Mount Marty. "Balancing nursing school and family life is definitely hard but doable," said Lopez. "I'd advise people to just keep going, it’s not going to be easy. You go to school for a reason because this is your dream career, and it can be done while bringing a child into this world and will be worth it all in the end."

Lopez found himself at Mount Marty after hearing about its Benedictine values from his aunt. He was excited to attain his bachelor's in nursing degree from a private university. "I value principles such as community, hospitality and service, and I believe that these practices helped nurture my educational environment." He is happy to be back in Yankton — he was born here and camped near Lake Yankton as a child.

Journeying down the nursing career path wasn't something new to Lopez as his mother is a nurse, but he was also inspired by someone else in his life to join the health care field. "First, my mom is a nurse, and she taught me so much about the profession and the importance of caring for others. … However, the moment that really solidified my desire to become a nurse was when my grandpa had cancer. I helped take care of him during his battle and in his final moments. That experience showed me the profound impact that compassionate care can have on patients and their families." Lopez assisted his grandfather with his ostomy care and even helped with his tube feedings.

Lopez's nursing classes, internship, clinicals and work as a patient care tech at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center have helped him provide insight and care to those in his life that he loves. On March 6, 2024, Lopez and his partner became parents to their little boy, Lawsen. "I have a six-monthold baby boy who has just started teething and is growing so fast, which has been quite an experience! He attends daycare while his mother and I work and while I attend school. At daycare, he's already learning some Montessori skills, which is exciting to see." He said his education in obstetrics, pediatrics and medical-surgical care have been monumental in supporting his family as they grow and change, from his newborn son to his grandfather when he was ill and to the patients he has the opportunity to care for now and in the future. "Overall, what I am learning in class directly applies to my everyday life and future career. It keeps me motivated to learn more so I can help my family and others as much as possible. It is truly rewarding to see how my education can make a difference in people's lives."

During the summer of his junior year, Lopez completed an internship at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in the cardiopulmonary unit. "… It expanded and reinforced my knowledge of medications, skills, and actions to take in multiple circumstances." One crucial moment for him during his internship was when he had the opportunity to assist in a code to save a dying patient. He said it helped reassure him of his skills and confidence. "After providing care to multiple patients I have gotten to know, it was encouraging to hear personally from them that they appreciated my help and how I will become a great nurse." Lopez is interested when he graduates in becoming a clinical decision unit (CDU), outpatient or oncology nurse, as his family's struggles with cancer have ignited a passion in him to care for those patients and their families.

Lopez and his family currently live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He commutes almost five days a week to school while balancing work as a patient care tech and personal family obligations. Organization and time management are paramount for Lopez in attaining balance, but he also has excellent support in both nursing school and his home life. "My mom also helps me with simple reminders and support, and [she] shares what she knows on certain topics, which is a big help. Both our families are very helpful when we need a break or just to help watch and hang out with Lawsen. Also my partner is so supportive in me finishing school. She reminds me to keep going if I have doubts and allows me to focus on school as much as I need be. “

Lopez's best advice to offer others working to find balance is to "Be kind to yourself. It's okay to not be perfect. You will do an incredible job balancing so much; remember to give yourself grace and acknowledge your hard work and [that] everyone has their own path — so follow yours." He plans to take the values and hallmarks of hospitality, stewardship and respect into his future practice as a nurse, which are the same Benedictine values that drew him to Mount Marty four years ago.

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ABOUT MOUNT MARTY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1936 by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.