Jesse Gallegos
Public Relations Coordinator
Luna Community College
August 17, 2021
Nursing instructor says her passion is teaching and guiding students
Luna Community College’s Kim Sena has 12 years of higher education classes under her. And she may not be finished.
The 1998 West Las Vegas High School valedictorian has earned several degrees and certificates — the most recent a doctorate of nursing practice from New Mexico State University, and a master’s of nursing education from Walden University this past summer and spring , respectively.
“I like learning,” says Sena. “Where there’s an opportunity, I take it. We shouldn’t put ourselves in a box.”
In 2015, Sena earned her registered nursing license after graduating from the Luna nursing program. Sena has been part of the Luna nursing faculty since 2018.
“I feel at home here; I felt welcome from day one,” says Sena.
“It has the small town, family feel. Even when I was a student, all the faculty took a genuine interest in my success.”
Among Sena’s higher education experiences are bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from New Mexico Highlands University and a BSN from Highlands. She also earned a CNA certificate from Luna.
“I want to stay teaching,” says Sena. “Teaching is my passion. My goal is to practice as a psych nurse practitioner, but I definitely want to stay teaching.”
Sena says that although it may appear that life has been a breeze for her, she asks that people take a second look.
“Nothing has ever been given to me,” says Sena. “I didn’t have a silver platter. With the grace of God, and with the support of my mom, husband and daughter, I have been able to set and reach many goals.”
Sena hopes she serves as an inspiration to her students.
“Never give up,” Sena says. “Underdog stories are all over this campus. I’m so proud to teach my students and watch them grow. Students that graduate from Luna are ready to be leaders in their field.”
Sena says being a role model is something she takes seriously.
“I hope I’m a mentor,” she says. “This quiet, little, shy Hispanic girl that no one pays a second mind to can achieve things. Students need to realize that they can accomplish what they set their mind on. No excuses.”
That word is not part of Sena’s vocabulary.
“I don’t want to slow down,” she says. “I will be eligible to retire in about five years, but I won’t. I want to be able help people. I love the fact that we have a new day. A new day to be fiery and have faith. Happiness is the person that picks to be happy.”
Although more education is not out of the question, for now Sena will concentrate on learning French and relearning how to play the piano.
“I want to take fun classes,” says Sena.
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Kim Sena has been part of the Luna nursing faculty since 2018.
