My name is Samuel Williams, and I’m a nursing student at Cox College currently working toward my Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). I also serve in the Missouri Army National Guard as a combat medic and work in the Neurotrauma ICU as a nursing tech. I’ve been balancing school, 12-hour shifts, and military service while maintaining a 3.63 GPA. It’s a busy schedule, but I’ve never been afraid of hard work—especially when it’s leading me toward something I care deeply about. I became interested in nursing through a mix of personal experience and military training. I grew up seeing family members face serious health issues and noticed how much of a difference good nurses made—not just with medical care, but with how they treated people. Later, after becoming a medic, I realized how much I loved being hands-on in emergency situations, staying calm under pressure, and doing everything I could to help someone through their worst day. That mix of compassion, quick thinking, and leadership is what drew me to nursing as a career. I plan to specialize in trauma or critical care nursing, both in the civilian world and through the Army. I’m especially interested in field or combat nursing after commissioning as an Army nurse. The idea of being able to serve beside soldiers and also use my medical skills in fast-paced, high-stress environments motivates me. I want to be the nurse people trust to stay calm, take charge, and deliver care when seconds count. To prepare for this career, I’ve built a foundation through both education and real-world experience. I trained as a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston, where I learned how to manage trauma, perform basic lifesaving interventions, and operate in field conditions. I’ve also worked in the ER and currently work in the ICU, where I’ve assisted with codes, handled high-acuity patients, and continued developing clinical skills like IVs, EKGs, airway management, and patient monitoring. All of this has taught me not only the medical side of nursing but also the importance of teamwork, communication, and advocacy. On top of clinical experience, I’ve taken every chance to grow through leadership and discipline. My time in the military has helped shape my character, giving me the structure, focus, and resilience I’ll need as a nurse. I’m excited to continue growing in this field and eventually serve in a role where I can lead, teach, and make a real impact—both in uniform and beyond.

Right now, I’m working toward my Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree at Cox College. I’m also serving as a combat medic in the Missouri Army National Guard and working in the Neurotrauma ICU as a nursing tech. Getting to this point wasn’t exactly a straight line, but every step of the way pushed me closer to nursing—and made me more certain that this is the right path for me. I graduated high school early, in December of 2022. The day after I turned 17, I enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do at the time, but I knew I wanted to serve, push myself, and learn how to help people in real ways. I was sent to Fort Sam Houston in Texas, where I trained to become a combat medic. That experience changed everything for me. Training as a medic showed me that I had the ability to stay calm in emergencies, think critically under pressure, and handle some of the hardest parts of healthcare. I learned how to triage patients, assist in trauma care, draw blood, manage airways, and support both mental and physical health needs in the field. That’s where I first got the idea that maybe this wasn’t just something I could do in uniform—but something I could do for life. After training, I started taking college courses and knocking out my prerequisites. I moved to Springfield to start the nursing program at Cox College. I now balance nursing school with 12-hour ICU shifts, military training, and studying. It’s not easy, but I’ve always been willing to do the hard work if it means doing something meaningful. I currently have a 3.63 GPA and continue to build hands-on experience in critical care. My “aha” moment happened during a shift in the ER, when a patient came in who was struggling with both physical injuries and a mental health crisis. While the rest of the team focused on stabilizing the physical side, I sat with the patient and talked them through the fear, confusion, and guilt they were feeling. That moment stuck with me—not because it was dramatic, but because I could tell it mattered to the patient. I realized that being a nurse isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how you show up. That’s when I knew this was more than just a job—it was the mission I’d been looking for. Since then, I’ve felt more motivated than ever to become a nurse who combines clinical skill with compassion and leadership. I want to use what I’ve learned in the military—like resilience, discipline, and adaptability—and bring that into patient care. I plan to commission as an Army nurse after graduation and eventually work in trauma or field medicine, supporting both soldiers and civilians in high-stress environments. Every experience I’ve had—from training as a medic to working night shifts in the ICU—has shaped my view of nursing. I’ve seen what burnout looks like. I’ve seen what good leadership can do. And I’ve seen how one person, just one nurse, can completely change how a patient feels in the worst moments of their life. That’s the kind of impact I want to have. I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be a nurse. But looking back, every step I’ve taken has led me here—and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Helping people who struggle with addiction matters to me because I’ve seen the damage it can do—not just to individuals, but to entire families. Addiction doesn’t care about background, age, or status. It affects people from all walks of life, including people I’ve known personally. Watching someone you care about go through that kind of battle—and feeling like you can’t help—is something you never forget. That’s why I want to be the kind of nurse who doesn’t judge, but listens, advocates, and helps people find a way out. One reason addiction is so hard to treat is because people don’t always see it as a medical issue. There’s still a lot of shame and misunderstanding around it. But as someone who’s worked in emergency rooms and trauma settings, I’ve seen the reality up close. People with substance use disorders aren’t weak. They’re not lost causes. They’re people in pain—physically, emotionally, and mentally—who need support, not criticism. I believe nurses can play a huge role in changing how we treat addiction, starting with how we talk to and care for our patients. My experience as a combat medic has taught me how to respond quickly and effectively in high-stress situations, including overdose care. In training and in the field, I’ve had to administer Narcan, manage airways, and provide support to people dealing with the immediate effects of drug use. But what’s stuck with me the most isn’t just the emergency response—it’s what happens afterward. What happens when the adrenaline wears off, and the patient wakes up alone, ashamed, or angry? That’s where the real work begins. I plan to use my nursing career to support patients who struggle with addiction by meeting them where they are and helping them feel seen. Whether I’m working in an ICU, on a behavioral health unit, or in the field as an Army nurse, I want to create a space where people feel safe being honest. I want to build trust with my patients, even when they’ve been let down by the system before. That means being consistent, being patient, and showing up every day with the mindset that everyone deserves a chance to get better. I also believe education is a big part of the solution. Many people still don’t know how addiction affects the brain, or how trauma, mental health, and environment play a role. I want to be a nurse who helps educate not just patients, but also other healthcare workers, soldiers, and community members. Addiction is a health issue, not a moral failure. The more we understand that, the better care we can provide. My long-term goal is to serve as an Army nurse with an infantry unit, where I’ll have the chance to support soldiers both physically and mentally. Substance use can be a real issue in the military, especially among those who struggle with PTSD or chronic pain. I want to be a resource for those service members, helping them find healthier ways to cope and showing them that recovery is possible. In both the military and civilian world, I know I won’t be able to save everyone. But if I can help even a few people feel less alone, more understood, and more hopeful about their future, then I’ll know I’m making a difference. Addiction is a fight—and I want to be in that fight, standing on the side of recovery, every step of the way.

The nursing industry interests me because it combines service, skill, leadership, and heart—four things I’ve always felt drawn to. Nursing isn’t just about following orders or checking boxes; it’s about being the one who shows up in the hardest moments and makes things better. I’ve seen firsthand the impact nurses have, not just through my own work experience, but also through what I’ve witnessed in my personal life and military service. What pulled me toward nursing in the first place was watching how nurses cared for members of my family. Whether it was long hospital stays or short ER visits, the nurses always stood out. They were calm, focused, and kind—even when the situation was overwhelming. That made a lasting impression on me, and as I got older, I realized I wanted to be that person for someone else. I wanted to be the one who keeps it together when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. After high school, I joined the Missouri Army National Guard and trained as a combat medic. I signed my contract the day after I turned 17. That decision changed everything for me. I completed EMT training and learned how to handle trauma care in both military and field settings. I’ve been trained in combat casualty care, patient transport, evacuation, and outpatient/inpatient support. These experiences taught me how to make quick decisions, stay calm under pressure, and communicate clearly in high-stakes situations. They also confirmed that healthcare was the right path for me. Right now, I’m in the ASN program at Cox College. I also work as a tech in the Neurotrauma ICU and previously worked in the emergency room. Between school, military training, and work, I’ve already had the opportunity to see a wide range of medical care. I’ve performed EKGs, started IVs, splinted fractures, managed airways, and helped in code situations. I’ve learned how important teamwork is, how to advocate for patients, and how to lead when others are looking for direction. These are all things I plan to carry with me into my nursing career. My long-term goal is to commission as an active-duty Army nurse and serve alongside infantry units. I want to bring together my military training and nursing education to care for soldiers in the field, support medical readiness, and eventually mentor other medics and nurses. Whether I’m in a combat zone, a stateside hospital, or a field clinic, I want to be the kind of nurse others know they can count on—someone who stays calm, works hard, and always puts the patient first. I’ve had a few personal accomplishments that I’m proud of so far. One is maintaining a 3.63 GPA while working 12-hour shifts, attending drill, and managing a full-time course load. Another is earning the trust of experienced nurses in high-acuity units despite being early in my career. I’ve had charge nurses and providers tell me that I have strong clinical instincts and a good head for crisis situations, which means a lot to me coming from people who do this job every day. It pushes me to keep learning and improving. The nursing field feels like the perfect place for me to grow. It challenges me, it motivates me, and it gives me the chance to make a difference in people’s lives every single day. I’m excited to keep learning and take on new roles as I move forward, both in the military and civilian healthcare world. I know it won’t be easy—but I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge.

I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I’ve always been drawn to helping people when things are at their worst. Growing up, I had family members in and out of the hospital, and I saw firsthand how much of a difference a good nurse could make. It wasn’t just about giving meds or doing tasks—it was how the nurses talked to my family, how they treated them like people, and how they stayed calm even when things got hard. That left a big impression on me and stuck with me into adulthood. After high school, I joined the Missouri Army National Guard as a combat medic. I was 17 when I signed my contract, and that decision changed the direction of my life. I went through EMT training, combat casualty care, field medicine, and more. I learned how to stay focused under pressure and how to take care of people in all kinds of situations—whether that’s in a clinic, on a training mission, or in the field. Being a medic showed me that I had a passion for direct patient care and that I wanted to do more with it. I’ve seen how quick decisions and steady hands can mean the difference between life and death, and it made me want to push myself to keep learning and growing. That’s when I knew nursing was the right path for me. I’m currently in the ASN program at Cox College, working in the Neurotrauma ICU, and I’ve also spent time in the emergency department. Balancing school, 12-hour shifts, and drill weekends hasn’t been easy, but it’s helped me grow in ways I never expected. I’ve learned how to manage my time, communicate under pressure, and stay motivated even when I’m exhausted. Being surrounded by nurses who are strong, smart, and compassionate has only pushed me to work harder and be better every day. My long-term goal is to commission as an Army nurse and serve with an infantry unit. I want to take what I’ve learned as a medic and apply it at a higher level, both in the military and in civilian trauma care. I believe nursing gives me the chance to serve others in a meaningful way, not just as a job, but as a lifelong mission. I want to be the kind of nurse who lifts up those around me—whether that means mentoring new grads, stepping into leadership roles, or just being the one others can count on during a hard shift. Nursing has already impacted my life in huge ways, and I’m just getting started. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m excited about what’s ahead. I want to be part of the change that improves the healthcare system and makes things better for both patients and providers. I found out about this scholarship through a friend who knew I was looking for support while juggling work, school, and military service.

I plan to make a positive impact on the nursing profession by bringing leadership, grit, and a service mindset into every space I work in. Nursing isn’t just a job to me—it’s a calling to show up for people when they’re at their worst and be the one who stays calm, thinks clearly, and does the hard things without hesitation. My experience as a combat medic in the Army National Guard and as a tech in both the ER and Neurotrauma ICU has shaped how I approach care. I’ve learned how to keep my head during chaos, advocate for patients who can’t speak for themselves, and step into uncomfortable situations with confidence. These skills don’t just help in emergencies—they set the tone for teamwork, patient safety, and strong leadership on any unit. I want to be the kind of nurse who helps change the culture—someone who supports new nurses, leads by example, and speaks up when something needs to be fixed. I’ve already seen what burnout and poor leadership can do to morale, and I believe that having nurses in leadership who have been “in the trenches” can make a real difference. In the future, I plan to commission as an Army nurse and serve alongside infantry units. My goal is to bridge the gap between military and civilian care, bringing trauma experience and leadership into every role I take. Whether I’m in a field hospital or a trauma center, I want to be the one people can rely on when it matters most. My impact won’t be flashy—but it will be consistent, grounded, and built on the mindset that every patient matters and every shift is a chance to do something good.