To Governor Phil Murphy,

Hello Governor,

I hope all is well during this unprecedented time we are facing as a nation. My name is Jumilka Ledesma. I currently work for Hackensack University Meridian Health as a clinical certified medical assistant, and I’m a full-time student at Passaic County Community College. I’ve been working in the medical field for over a decade now- My career focus took a change after high school once I began to work at Care One, working with the elderly. There I started to become passionate about the geriatrics unit because of their specific needs and impaired functions.

Witnessing these patients fighting for everyday life encouraged me to appreciate the value of life. Shortly after, I was qualified to work at an adult daycare. While doing so, I was able to watch and work with dedicated doctors, a staff of nurses and medical assistants who heroically showed up every day to help assist economically disadvantaged people. My most satisfying reward is working with patients who exemplify courage. The fight in them alone lightens the desire in me to make a difference.

Fast forward to 2020, and the COVID-19 crisis being a front line worker seeing the unimaginable, helping those in need and showing courage, compassion, and corporating alongside my team is what’s driving me to fulfill my dream of becoming a registered nurse. Unfortunately, working long shifts has interfered with my studies and trying to meet deadlines for the nursing program.

So with this letter, I’m urging that all front line workers who are working alongside doctors, nurses and first responders and so forth, with no degree be allotted to be automatically enrolled in the program of their choice for sacrificing their lives as well equal education opportunities to be able to advance in their careers.

best regards,
a prospect nurse