News Summary
Briana Zavala, a nursing student at Cal State LA, has received the California State University Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement along with a $7,000 scholarship. Overcoming significant challenges in her early life, she has maintained a 3.9 GPA and aims to become a compassionate nurse, inspired by her father’s care experience. Her journey from adversity to academic success truly stands out, showcasing resilience and determination.
Los Angeles, California – Briana Zavala, a determined 21-year-old nursing student at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), has been honored with the California State University Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. This recognition, awarded on September 8, 2025, comes alongside a scholarship of $7,000. Zavala’s remarkable journey from adversity to academic success makes her a standout among her peers.
Despite facing significant challenges in her early life, Zavala has maintained a strong academic record, currently boasting a 3.9 GPA as a junior in the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. Her dedication to her studies and her passion for nursing have garnered praise from faculty, including Assistant Professor Tanja Baum Low, who commended her as an exceptionally bright student with a hunger for knowledge.
Briana’s childhood in the San Gabriel Valley was marked by instability and hardship. At one point, she was nine years behind in her education due to a combination of familial issues and subpar homeschooling. Her mother abandoned the family when Briana was just 14 years old, and her father, Vincent, succumbed to cancer a year later, leaving her and her three older brothers to rely on the support of their aunt and uncle, Renee and Robert O’Banion.
Following these tragedies, Zavala’s first experience of formal education came when she entered Covina High School as a freshman. She quickly adapted to the academic environment and developed effective study habits. Her hard work paid off, as she graduated as valedictorian in 2023 with a perfect 4.0 GPA. During her commencement speech, she emphasized the significance of a strong work ethic, curiosity, and perseverance.
Throughout her journey, Zavala has maintained a focus on her aspirations. Inspired by the care and compassion shown by nurses who treated her father during his illness, she aims to become a nurse herself. To gain practical experience, she has volunteered at an assisted living facility for two years, where she has honed her skills in bedside manner and patient care. Her background has equipped her with empathy and a broad understanding of what patients may require, enabling her to recognize their individuality and cater to their needs.
In summary, Briana Zavala’s story exemplifies resilience and determination against the odds. The California State University Trustees’ Award not only validates her hard work but also ensures that she continues on her path to becoming a compassionate healthcare provider. With the support of her scholarship and her prior experiences, Zavala is set to make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession, helping others draw from her own inspiring journey.
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Additional Resources
- SGV Tribune: Student Nurse’s Inspiring Journey
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- Daily Bulletin: Family Celebrates Amid Tragedy
- Google Search: Healthcare Impact
- Dignity Memorial: Frank Zavala Obituary
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Education
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