From loss to calling: Kylie Morales’ nursing journey

(Graphic by UTHealth Houston)

Long before she ever stepped into a hospital as a nursing student, Kylie Morales was already learning what compassionate care looked like, watching closely as a nurse comforted her mother during repeated hospital visits.

Now a fourth-year student at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, Morales is nearing graduation, driven by a desire to provide that same sense of comfort and care to others navigating illness and loss — an experience shaped by losing both of her parents.

Inspired by care

Morales grew up in Houston’s Northside, attending Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School, where a work-study program helped her pay for tuition while gaining early professional experience.

But it was her mother’s long illness that ultimately shaped her future.

“My mom was sick a lot. She had this disease called scleroderma, and so she was always in and out of the hospital,” Morales said. “She always had this one nurse who was the sweetest person ever.”

That nurse, Olivia, became a source of inspiration during an otherwise overwhelming time.

“She’s someone I will never forget,” Morales said. “My mom loved her. All my family loved her. I loved her, because she would also let me help out with my mom’s treatments.”

Morales was just 15 when her mother, Milagros, died. Even then, she had already begun to understand the impact a compassionate nurse could make.

“I mostly wanted to do what Olivia did for my mom… just be welcoming and do everything she can to make her more comfortable.”

Finding her path

Morales began her college journey at the University of Houston-Downtown, where she built lasting friendships and adjusted to college life. As she progressed through her prerequisites, Morales realized she wanted a nursing program that would challenge and support her growth.

“I started looking around for other nursing schools, and then I found Cizik School of Nursing. I saw that it was a really good school,” she said. “I was like, well, let me try. I applied, and I fortunately got in.”

The transition into nursing school proved to be a significant shift.

“Nursing is like a different field. You literally have to relearn how to study, how to understand the exams to pass.”

Learning through experience

At Cizik School of Nursing, Morales gained hands-on experience across a wide range of clinical settings, including rotations at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and at Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and Ben Taub Hospital.

From newborn nurseries to intensive care units, each rotation helped shape her understanding of patient care.

“It’s taught me so much. I didn’t know there were so many areas that you can go into prior to starting nursing school.”

Along the way, she saw how compassion can shape even the smallest interactions, recalling a nurse who spoke gently to newborns in her care.

“She was very sweet to the babies. She was like, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry,’ talking to the baby as if it could understand, which I loved.”

Strength through profound loss

In addition to the loss of her mother, Morales faced another devastating challenge last year with the death of her father, Lorenzo.

“I think a lot of my motivation came from him and my family,” she said.

Despite the grief, Morales continued her studies, finding solace in the structure and focus of nursing school.

“Nursing kind of took my mind off everything. I was able to leave it at home. Not trying to block it out, but just a welcomed distraction.”

Her perseverance carried her through even the most difficult moments, including academic setbacks she worked to overcome while continuing her clinical training.

Looking ahead

As graduation approaches, Morales is focused on becoming the kind of nurse who first inspired her — one who leads with compassion.

“I hope to just help people and make them feel as comfortable as possible… and with their family members as well, because with the first nurse that I ever met, she was very welcoming, very nice to my family.”

Morales also hopes to eventually make an impact in supporting patients’ mental and emotional well-being.

“I definitely see myself helping others with the mental aspect in health care.”

A foundation of support

Throughout her journey, Morales credits her support system with helping her persevere through both personal and academic challenges.

“It was very important for me to have a strong support system prior to even starting nursing school. I feel like my family and my friends have gotten me through so much.”

As she prepares to cross the stage, she carries with her not only the lessons learned in the classroom and clinic, but also the resilience built through life’s most difficult moments and a deep commitment to compassionate care.

This student story is part of the Countdown to Commencement series, featuring graduating students from schools across the university. Check back each week as we celebrate the Class of 2026 leading up to commencement.

If you are graduating from UTHealth Houston this May, sign up now to attend UTHealth Houston’s Countdown to Commencement reception from 6 to 8 p.m. April 29. Visit the registration page to RSVP. Registration closes April 21.