Turning your dreams to reality doesn’t happen overnight. It takes long days and years of focus to become who you hope to be. Recently, one immigrant from Dominican Republic actualized his childhood dream.
Why One Young Man Became a Janitor at a Hospital
Frank Baez came to America at 14 years old. At the time, Frank didn’t speak English but he quickly learned during high school. At 17 years old, Frank got a job as a weekend custodian at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital. He was doing all he could to help his family succeed in a new country.
Working in the hospital was the fast-paced environment that young Frank was looking for, even though it was just a role as a janitor. Eventually, Frank got a job in patient transport, taking patients to various tests and procedures. In this role, Frank was more able to interact with patients and help them. It was around this time that Frank fell in love with the medical field.
“He was always compassionate to patients and families,” said Nataly Pasklinsky, the current director of simulation learning at the NYU nursing school. “He would ask the nurses questions about patient care and what it takes to become a nurse. My colleagues and I encouraged him to follow his dream.”
While working at the hospital, Frank received a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College. He graduated in Spanish literature with a minor in biological sciences, becoming the first member of his family to graduate college.
How One Man Proved the Importance of Following Your Dreams
After college, Frank continued to work at the hospital as a unit clerk. He was able to work closely with the nurses and pick their brains. “I felt inspired by them to become a nurse, so I told them ‘I want to be a nurse like you guys,’” he said. “I was inspired by their work and everything they do for their patients.”
Frank then enrolled himself into an accelerated 15-month nursing program. He went through long, tiring days balancing work and school. His morning classes went until about 2pm, then he’d eat some lunch before his hospital shift started at 3. After work, he’d be up late doing his assignments for the next day.
When he graduated from nursing school, Frank’s dream became reality. He got hired as a nurse in the ICU at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital. “When I was a housekeeper, my priority was to help my mom, to help bring money to the house and to learn English,” Frank said. “Thankfully, through all of my experiences at work, I was able to discover my dream.”
Frank isn’t done yet. He’s training to become qualified as a bilingual specialist at the hospital and help Spanish speaking people get the care they need. “I was hoping that I would be able to care for patients in Spanish,” he said. “I wanted to work with under served populations.”
He also hopes to go back to school soon to receive his PHD. “Education doesn’t stop here,” he mentioned. “It’s something that has to continue to evolve. The more educated I get, the more lives I can touch and the more people I can inspire to accomplish their dreams.”
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.