Miguel Esteban didn’t always know he wanted to be a nurse. Like many young people fresh out of high school, he knew he wanted to make a meaningful impact—he felt that pull toward doing something of value. Initially, Miguel thought engineering was his path. It seemed logical, a STEM field with prestige and opportunity. But the deeper he went, the more he realized it wasn’t for him. Something was missing.
His journey wasn’t a straight line. In fact, it zigzagged through uncertainty and self-discovery. Miguel changed majors during his first semester at McMurry University. He felt a general pull toward the healthcare field, but nothing seemed to truly resonate—until he was given the chance to participate in a two-week nursing internship in the Dominican Republic. It was there, surrounded by the humbling experience of hands-on care and community, that everything clicked. He fell in love with nursing, and from that point on, he never looked back.
At McMurry, Miguel entered a nursing program that was, at the time, a collaborative effort with Hardin-Simmons University. The cohort was small—just thirteen students. But that intimacy turned out to be a blessing. In that close-knit environment, Miguel found more than just classmates; he found a support system. Whether he needed emotional encouragement, mental resilience, or academic help, he had people around him who understood. That experience shaped him profoundly. Today, as a nurse, Miguel draws on those connections. He knows the value of relationships—how essential it is to truly connect with patients, to treat not just symptoms, but human beings.
While nursing shaped his academics, Miguel also carved out time for other passions. From 2016 to 2019, he played on McMurry’s soccer team. He was also part of the Ko Sari social club, balancing sports and social life with the rigors of nursing school. These activities helped round him out—not just as a student, but as a leader and teammate.
As Miguel reflects on the profession he now calls home, he wishes more people understood one thing: nursing isn’t confined to hospital walls. There’s a world of opportunity out there—from flight nursing and aesthetics to roles in schools, home health, the military, education, and beyond. Nursing, he believes, offers incredible flexibility for those willing to explore it.
To thrive in nursing, Miguel emphasizes a few key qualities: the ability to problem-solve, adaptability, and above all, empathy. These are the skills that matter most when you’re face-to-face with someone in pain, fear, or vulnerability.
His advice for future nurses is simple but powerful: stay humble. Nursing isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being open to learning from everyone around you, from fellow nurses to the patients themselves. He encourages authenticity and listening with genuine care. Sometimes, he says, all a person wants is someone to hear them out—and in some cases, you might be the only person they get to talk to.
Balancing such an emotionally intense career with personal life isn’t easy, but Miguel has found his way. He keeps perspective by reminding himself that nursing is just one part of who he is. His faith, his family, and his friends ground him. At work, he gives 100%—he puts his life on pause to care wholeheartedly for his patients. But once he clocks out, he allows himself to fully engage in the things and people he loves. That boundary keeps him balanced.
Looking back, if Miguel could speak to his younger self, he’d offer this piece of wisdom: let life flow. Don’t rush. Enjoy each chapter for what it is. There’s no need to sprint toward the finish line. Everything will come together, just like it always has. “Dream big,” he’d say, “and win big.”
From uncertainty to purpose, Miguel Esteban’s story is one of self-discovery, compassion, and unwavering dedication—a reminder that the path to our calling isn’t always clear, but it’s always worth the journey.
Do you or an alum you know have a great post-McMurry story? We’d love to feature YOU! Contact the Alumni Office at alumni@mcm.edu to schedule an interview.