Senior nursing student Zachary Ryan often jokes he's the most non-traditional of students.
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Army Veteran Hopes Nursing Degree Allows Him to Help More Veterans
Written By: Tina Alvey Dale
Zachary Ryan considers himself one of the most non-traditional students anyone will ever find. The University of 香蕉视频APP 鈥� Fort Smith senior nursing student is not only a first-generation student, but he also jokes that he鈥檚 old enough to be every other student in his cohort鈥檚 father.
鈥淏eing older and having responsibilities that most college students do not have has forced me to be very organized and set priorities that help me achieve success in the classroom,鈥� Zac said.
An Army veteran and combat medic, Zac decided to pursue a career in nursing after leaving the military. But just as he started his prerequisites, life sidetracked his pursuit.
鈥淚 was offered a position training the National Guard in the Southeast. Because my two passions are the military and the medical field, I decided to put nursing school on hold and train the troops. When COVID-19 hit, I decided it was time to complete my goal of becoming a nurse,鈥� he said.
But right away, the challenges struck. Zac鈥檚 biggest challenge came before he even enrolled at UAFS. He applied to the university as a transfer student but was denied admission due to a slate of bad grades early in his academic career. He appealed that decision and was conditionally accepted on academic probation.
The challenges continued because the transfer credits he submitted included a required course he had already taken twice, having dropped it when he joined the military, he said.
The UAFS nursing program only allows two tries for any required course, so rather than pushing through more appeals, he applied for clemency - permission to start from scratch. It was approved, and he started over in 2022.
鈥淚 bring a unique perspective,鈥� Zac said, 鈥淢y time in the military instilled in me a profound sense of duty, resilience, and the importance of service to others. Returning to school has been both a personal and professional journey, driven by my desire to expand my knowledge and contribute meaningfully to my community.鈥�
Much of Zac鈥檚 experience in the Army focused on critical care, whether on the battlefield or in the aid station. Because he understands what people go through when they need help the most, he aims to work in an intensive care unit or emergency room. After gaining more experience, he hopes to one day work with the Veterans Administration to help other veterans.
Over the past four years, his military benefits have been supplemented by scholarships from the UAFS Foundation, allowing him to fully focus on his next chapter.
鈥淎s any nursing student knows, it is very difficult to work full-time due to clinicals, lectures, labs, studying, etc. The military pays for my tuition and covers some of my books. The scholarships have helped me pay for books as well as associated expenses,鈥� he said.
Zac is a recipient of the Shirley Wray Nursing Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship represents not only a critical step in achieving his educational goals but also serves as a testament to the support and encouragement that turns dreams into reality for students like him, he wrote in a thank-you letter.
The scholarship provides meaningful financial assistance and serves as encouragement in his academic journey, he said.
With just a few months until he crosses the commencement stage, Zac has been reflecting on his academic career.
鈥淭he most rewarding part of my journey has been proving to myself that I can do this. Sometimes others have more faith in you than you have in yourself,鈥� Zac said. 鈥淚 would tell other veterans and nontraditional students that it is never too late to accomplish your goals. Yes, it may be more difficult at times due to work, responsibilities, and the energy required, but go after what you want.鈥�