Torres looks to help high risk babies
Russellville senior Carmen Torres has had a busy high school career.
The 18-year-old student has been an active part of the school through numerous clubs such as the Spanish Club, Science Club, Key Club, and Art Club.
She has served as a leader by participating in organizations like Health Occupation Students of America, the Power Team, annual staff, Family Career and Community Leader of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Skills, USA.
Torres has also risen through the ranks academically by being inducted into the National Honor Society, an organization she has enjoyed because of the community service.
“The National Honor Society recently had a blood drive and I was glad to be a part of that,” Torres said. “It’s important to get blood to the hospitals and by participating in something like this, it teaches you the importance of helping others.”
Once she graduates this May, Torres said she will miss her friends because she knows she won’t see them that often, but if she chooses to stay close to home in the fall, she might see some of them from time to time.
“I haven’t made a decision quite yet, but I’m leaning towards going to Northwest-Shoals [Community College] for two years,” Torres said.
She’s also been accepted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and hopes to attend there once she finishes her basics at NW-SCC.
Through her HOSA class at RHS, Torres has gone to clinicals, which have helped affirm her decision to pursue a career in neonatal nursing.
“I’ve been going to the OB department at Russellville Hospital and I just think that it’s a career I would enjoy,” Torres said. “Babies are fun to be around and I like to take care of them.”
To be a neonatal nurse, Torres said she will need to have specialized training since she will deal with high-risk babies.
“You have to take a state test and have two years of practice for that career,” she said.
Torres, who was born in Florida but has always attended Russellville, said she has plans to move closer to her birth state in the future.
“In 10 years, I hope to be living somewhere in south Alabama close to Florida where it’s warm,” she said. “I also hope to be working in a hospital and possibly have a family.”
Torres said the idea of being a nurse also appeals to her because of the possibility for travel.
“One of my goals is to travel overseas and experience new places and cultures,” Torres said. “Nursing can offer that if you choose to be moved to different places.”
But Torres said it would probably be hard to leave her family behind if she decided to move far away.
Her mom, Sabrina Abarca; step-dad, Jose Rocha; brother, Eric Rocha; and sisters Rubi Rocha and Jennifer Torres all live in the area.
“This summer, I plan on spending lots of time with my family and with my friends,” Torres said.
