This content was produced for US Bank by the foundry @ Meredith Corp. People editorial staff was not involved in its creation or production.
And how his husband has been his #1 supporter every step of the way.
While many of his peers are focused on their retirement plans and the leisure time that awaits them, Ricardo Ortiz-Barreto is taking another direction. Currently balancing work and an intense course load, this 56-year-old father of four is working toward his nursing degree so he can give back in a way that’s very personal to him and his family.
Years ago, Ricardo served as a caregiver for his sister for over 3 years. “She’s a quadriplegic,” he explains. “I knew I was good at [this type of caregiving], and I liked it.” Ricardo even completed EMT training at one point, but ultimately never used the certification because his sister required 24/7 care.
When the pandemic hit, his job in theater shut down completely. “I was just sitting at home, desperately wanting to volunteer,” he recalls. He took a phlebotomy class, hoping he’d be qualified to help administer vaccines or provide some sort of care, but wasn’t allowed. That sparked his desire to pursue an LVN degree (or LPN, in many states). “I’ve been in theater and entertainment for 25 years. I wanted to do something that was giving more back to the community,” he explains.
He and his husband Jesse have sent their 4 adult children out into the world, so they have some financial freedom to make a vocational change. But, as anyone who’s gone back to school knows, it’s a grueling undertaking.
Thankfully, Jesse’s a huge supporter in every way. “When Rico started taking the classes, it was perfect for that empty nest feeling,” he says with a laugh. Having spent much of his time caring for their boys when they were young, he says he slipped back into many of those caretaker roles with ease. “I didn’t want him to worry about groceries, worry about cleaning. I’m happy to take over so he can focus on his classes. I’d ask, ‘Did he have breakfast? Do I need to make him dinner before he gets on a Zoom class?’”
Hear more from Jesse
He also remembers how the roles have reversed in various chapters of their life together. “Rico was very supportive of me transitioning from a traditional 9-5 job in the banking industry,” Jesse recalls. When their boys were young and he wanted more flexibility, he transitioned into a career in nonprofits. “When I went back to school at 50 to get my credentials, again, Rico was very supportive.”
I wanted to do something that was giving more back to the community.
So now, Jesse’s determined to show up for Rico however he can. Sometimes, that’s taking tasks off his to-do list. Other times, it’s cheering him on. “I like to remind him about self-care — taking breaks. It’s such a grueling schedule in this condensed program. He’s trying to get a degree — what I did in 5 years — in just a year! He’s getting up at 5am, staying up late to study,” Jesse says.
“When he gets stressed, or feels overwhelmed, I’m quick to tell him, ‘You’ve gotta believe in yourself! I believe in you!’ We need to practice what we preach — follow what we say to our children when it comes to education.”
Still, investing in a totally new career in your 50s is scary. Jesse’s advice? “One of the things I always say is, ‘You should always try. If you never try, you’ll always have that doubt.’ You might say, ‘What if they say no?’ Well, then, you asked. You’ve gotta go for it!”
Rico isn’t yet sure exactly where he’d like to invest his nursing skills when he completes his certification, but one thing’s for sure — he’s on the right track. “It’s very rewarding to see him doing something he really likes doing,” Jesse says. “He’s a natural at this.”
Considering a big leap of your own?
At U.S. Bank, we have the tools and knowledge to make your dreams a reality.
That’s what U.S. Bank is for.