Otavio Tobias

Otavio was drawn to study nursing because he viewed it as a caring science that goes deeper than surface-level healing. “Someone can experience healing without experiencing a cure,” he shared. “When I think of the Healer's art, curing is part of it, but not the focus. The Savior cures, and He can perform miracles, but that's independent of healing... I can still practice healing even if I know the patient is only going to get worse.” Otavio learned these principles during experiences in Paraguay alongside his professors, who taught about reproductive health education. These opportunities are among his fondest memories in the BYU College of Nursing, and he is grateful that the trip was generously funded by donors. He also acknowledged the spiritual focus that made his BYU experience so meaningful. “I've always felt like I need to rely on the Savior to do the best job I can do,” Otavio reflected. “He will support me because He's as interested as I am, if not more, in the well-being and the health of His children.”