Rising with the Floodwaters
UST Hero Comes to Her Community’s Rescue
UST senior nursing student Elsamar Ibarra ’18 has an inherent drive to help others. This trait was a Godsend for several of Elsamar’s neighbors during Hurricane Harvey’s floods. Even as her own home was taking on floodwater, Elsamar could not ignore her neighbor’s screams for help.
She waded through waist-deep water to rescue three individuals with severe mobility issues. After taking them to safety, she went back to help others. Elsamar lost her car in the flood, and the home she shares with her sister in Northeast Houston suffered extensive damage; yet, she continued to help others by volunteering and providing medical care to evacuees at Houston’s largest shelter.
Although Hurricane Harvey created a significant financial setback for Elsamar, she was able to help many others during a difficult time. UST was honored to award her additional scholarship funds this semester to assist in her recovery and help her remain enrolled.
Elsamar graduated from UST on May 19 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was also named the Outstanding Graduate for Nursing. She will soon begin her nursing career in Houston, where she looks forward to serving the patients of her beloved city.
Be a hero. Be like Elsamar.
To help students like Elsamar put their passion to purpose, make a heroic gesture by investing in their future. Visit stthom.edu/give