At age 17, Frank Baez started working as a janitor for NYU Langone Health in New York City. This week, the 29-year-old man received his nursing degree from the same institution, reports ABC News.
Mr. Baez emigrated from the Dominican Republic in 2004 and got a weekend housekeeping job at NYU Langone's Tisch Hospital in New York City to help his mom support their family, according to CNN.
A few years later, Mr. Baez became a patient transporter at the hospital. After earning his bachelor's degree from New York City-based Hunter College, he worked closely with nurses as a unit clerk at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, also located in the city.
"While working [at NYU] with the nurses, I realized I wanted to be one of them," Mr. Baez told ABC News. "I learned how much they advocate for their patients and the passion they have for their job."
Nurse colleagues encouraged him to apply to the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing where he earned his nursing degree in 15 months through an accelerated program.
Mr. Baez is now preparing for his licensing boards and said he hopes to work as a nurse at NYU Langone.