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Caregiver Spotlight: Missael Arreola
Scholarship Recipient, Future Administrator, Father
"My journey into senior care has been shaped by resilience, hope, and a deep commitment to caring for others.
At the heart of it all is my daughter Irasema, who has disabilities and has been my greatest source of inspiration. Caring for her has been both the hardest and most rewarding experience of my life. She has taught me patience when progress is slow, empathy for those whose voices are not always heard, and the importance of advocacy when needs are overlooked. She’s helped me understand that care is as much about honoring who someone is and protecting their dignity as it is about providing support and that joy should always be part of the process.
My brother-in-law, Hambelton, also played a pivotal role in shaping my path. He introduced me to the world of long-term care and helped me see how meaningful and impactful this work can be. He showed me that true senior care extends past medicine, reaching into relationships, trust, and the joy of everyday living. His encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue this calling wholeheartedly, and his example continues to remind me that leadership in this field is about compassion, integrity, and vision.
Today, I am working toward becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator while completing my Master’s program in Aging. I have about 12 credit hours remaining, and each class brings me closer to my goal of leading in a way that makes a real difference.
What I’ve accomplished so far is only the foundation for what I hope to build.
I aspire to eventually earn a Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration so I can continue to grow as a leader and help shape the future of senior care on a broader scale. I want to be part of the movement that redefines what senior living can look like transforming facilities into communities where residents feel safe, valued, and truly at home.
Receiving a scholarship has been an incredible blessing along this journey. Beyond easing the financial burden, this scholarship has instilled in me a deep sense of confidence and belief in my mission. It’s a powerful reminder that I’m not walking this path alone, others believe in what I’m working toward and in my ability to make it happen. That encouragement fuels my determination to keep moving forward, even when the road feels long or the challenges seem overwhelming. Knowing that others are invested in my success motivates me to work harder, dream bigger, and stay focused on the impact I want to make.
At the end of the day, my story is not just about education or career goals, it’s about people. It’s about my daughter, who inspires me daily. It’s about my brother-in-law, who opened my eyes to the possibilities of long-term care. It’s about the seniors I hope to serve, whose lives deserve dignity, respect, and joy. And it’s about the communities I want to help build, where care is not just a service but a way of life."
 Missael Arreola
Business Office Manager
Mount St. Mary
2025 Foundation Scholarship Recipient
We invite you to consider making a donation to the LeadingAge Kansas Foundation scholarship program, so we can continue to support the next generation of aging services professionals, just like Missael.
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