CRNA school is one of the toughest journeys a nurse can take, but success isn’t just about grades and clinical skills. It’s also about wellness, belonging, and support. Today’s guest is a passionate advocate for students in CRNA school and someone you want to listen to if you’ve felt stressed or anxious about the process. In this episode of Grade 1 View, Olivia sits down with Dr. Jorge Valdes, clinical professor and dean at Florida International University, to talk about what it really takes for SRNAs to thrive. You quickly understand how much he cares about the future of this profession as he shares why community, kindness, and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical training. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Testamentary capacity for students – Success requires both knowledge and belonging. 🏃 Wellness matters – Exercise, endorphins, and small celebrations fuel resilience. 💬 Kindness over fear – Students learn better when they feel supported, not intimidated. 👥 Sense of belonging – Community and connection are vital for persistence and success. 🎓 Pay it forward – Preceptors should foster passion, not perpetuate negative experiences.   About our guest: https://populationhealth.fiu.edu/jorge-valdes/   Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team! Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/ Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/  Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246