Andrew Fernandez

The relationships I have built with classmates, faculty, mentors, and community partners have been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. Columbia has given me a community that has supported, challenged, and believed in me. As I move forward, I hope to carry that same spirit of mentorship, service, and encouragement into my career.

Please tell us a bit about yourself: Where are you from, and what do you like to do in your spare time? 

I was born and raised in Corona, Queens, New York. I am proudly of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, and my cultural background has shaped the way I connect with others, care for my community, and move through the world. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, working out, and exploring new places. I also love dancing salsa, bachata, and merengue, which keeps me connected to my roots and brings me a lot of joy. Whether I am trying a new restaurant, spending time with loved ones, or discovering a new part of the city, I enjoy experiences that allow me to connect, learn, and grow. 

Why did you decide to pursue nursing, and why did you choose Columbia? 

I decided to pursue nursing because of my deep passion for direct patient care, especially within underserved communities. My health care journey began as a health educator at a Federally Qualified Health Center in the same neighborhood where I grew up. That experience allowed me to serve people who looked like me, spoke like me, and shared many of the same lived experiences as my family and community. Through that work, I saw how powerful health care can be when it is delivered with compassion, cultural understanding, and advocacy, which led me to purse nursing. 

I chose Columbia Nursing because of its diverse clinical training and incredible networking opportunities. Columbia is also located in Washington Heights, a community with a large Dominican population, which makes being here feel especially meaningful. Having worked as an RN at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, it is an honor to now continue learning and growing in this community. 

What are you passionate about, and how has being a student at Columbia Nursing allowed you to follow that passion? 

I am passionate about becoming an excellent clinician while staying grounded in service, representation, and community. I am especially passionate about my future career as a nurse anesthetist and caring for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Columbia Nursing has helped me pursue this passion through incredible faculty support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. My faculty have encouraged me to seek out new experiences, challenge myself, and step outside of my comfort zone. Their support has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it has strengthened my confidence in the kind of clinician I hope to become. 

Do you have a favorite memory of your time at Columbia Nursing? 

One of my favorite memories was being invited by the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs at Columbia Nursing to speak to high school students. It was a huge opportunity to educate and inspire young people, especially students who may come from communities similar to my own. That moment was meaningful because it reminded me why representation matters. Being able to share my journey, encourage students, and help them imagine themselves in health care was truly an honor. 

What are your next steps after graduation? 

After graduation, my goal is to work as a nurse anesthetist at a Level 1 trauma center in New York. I hope to continue developing my skills in a high-acuity environment while caring for diverse patient populations. I am especially interested in gaining experience in pediatric anesthesia. Caring for children and families requires precision, compassion, and trust, and I look forward to building that expertise as I continue growing in my career. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

I am incredibly grateful for the connections I have made during my time at Columbia Nursing. The relationships I have built with classmates, faculty, mentors, and community partners have been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. Columbia has given me a community that has supported, challenged, and believed in me. As I move forward, I hope to carry that same spirit of mentorship, service, and encouragement into my career.