Family Care

Joshua Tombe, Junior Health Studies and Nursing Major, Metropolitan Campus

(Photo: Bill Cardoni)

By Kenna Caprio

With multiple family members working in the health care field, Joshua Tombe developed an early interest in anatomy, physiology and psychology.

“My aunt and uncle are both doctors. My sister Ashley, BSN’24 (Metro), and I are both going to be nurses,” says Tombe, a junior at the Metropolitan Campus who is studying health studies and nursing. “Ashley has always inspired me to push myself. She’s the reason I applied to FDU and to the Honors Program. She’s given me advice on how to achieve both social and academic success. She motivates me and is my biggest inspiration.”

Following his sister’s recommendations, he applied to the Educational Opportunity Fund and the Honors Program, finding community in both programs.

“The Educational Opportunity Fund makes my education financially possible. I’m really blessed to be in the program with my sister. Lissette Garcia [director of EOF], Christopher Humphreys [assistant director of the program] and Angelica Montero [assistant director of EOF] are my mentors and I admire them. They make us feel at home.”

With honors, Tombe appreciates the challenging courses, priority class registration and the possibility of international travel.

One challenging class, microbiology, made him “love nursing more and more. I learned so much about viruses, biological engineering, microbiological growth, bacteria and immunity disorders. I always looked forward to that class.”

He also credits his involvement with the Student Nurses Association, where he served as the sophomore representative, for providing the direction and resources to explore his future career. In his downtime, Tombe enjoys playing intramural soccer at the Fitness Center and meeting up with Ashley and friends for a meal at the Greg Olsen Student Union — where he also works — setting up technology for student clubs and organizations.

Eventually, Tombe would like to work in mental health care. “I am interested in helping people both psychologically and physically. I would love to make patients feel better after dealing with a tragedy and be able to guide them. My goal in life is to make a change in as many lives as I can.”

His dedication to his academic career stems from his mother and sisters. “I’m a first-generation student and I want to make my mother proud. She has worked her whole life to allow my sisters and me to accomplish our dreams. I acquired my grit and determination from my mother. She inspires me to be the best version of myself and pursue my career as a nurse,” Tombe says.

“College and classes may get hard, but it’s a privilege. I’ve never taken my education for granted. Every day is a blessing from God, and with that, each day is another chance to keep your life moving forward for the better.”