Article Written By: Baileigh Hannah
Meet Sam, a senior at the University of Illinois who is originally from the Bay Area in California. He is pursuing a degree in Community Health, and his journey to higher education has been shaped by his time in the Air Force. With a background in medical laboratory technology, Sam’s military experience provided him with valuable life skills and a strong foundation in discipline and ambition. In this interview, Sam shares his experiences transitioning from military life to student life and his aspirations for the future.
I asked him, what is your military history, and what led you to pursue higher education? He said:
“I was a medical laboratory technician in the Air Force. I always knew I wanted to go to college. I didn’t know exactly what career field I wanted to get into but being in the medical field just felt natural. After 4 years of active duty, I decided to separate from the Air Force to go to school full-time. The Air Force gave me a lot of valuable skills and experiences that translate really well into every aspect of life. I treasure my time in the military because it taught me to be ambitious and disciplined. I’m also a lifelong learner and higher education correlates with that.”
Then I asked him, what was the most challenging part of transitioning from military life to student life? His response was:
“It’s definitely the life experience gap between me and other students. I was 18-22 years old when I was in the Air Force. I was completely independent. I dealt with life’s most difficult challenges on my own. I grew a lot in those years. I experienced things that many people my age has never or would never experience. And that’s more than fine. I never thought of me being any special or different because I was in the military. It just makes things a bit challenging because it makes it easier to feel isolated from everyone else.”
Next, said, have you found any specific resources or support systems on campus that have helped you adjust? He said,
“Regardless of what I said above, I’ve still been able to make friends here at Illinois. My professors have also been a tremendous help because they truly do want to speak with their students to learn about them and help them throughout their time here. Difficulties and challenges don’t have to be barriers that make things impossible. I think everyone, regardless of their background, can find a solid group of friends that can be their support system during those stressful times.”
My last questions were, are you involved in any organizations or clubs at school? And what are your career aspirations after graduation? His response was,
“Yes! I’m currently the Secretary of Pre-Law Honors Society. I was also a player for Illini Apex, which is the Illini Esports’ Competitive Apex team. After graduation, I’ll be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a Masters in Healthcare Administration. I’m really excited to start the next step of my journey. My career goal is to hold a C-suite position in a healthcare organization. I want to improve organizations’ efficiency and productivity to maximize the quality of care they deliver to all patients. I’m a firm believer that healthcare is a fundamental right for everyone.”
Sam’s story highlights the power of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges. From his time in the Air Force to his current path toward a career in healthcare administration, Sam’s journey is a testament to the value of higher education and the support systems that help students succeed. His ambition to improve healthcare organizations and make a positive impact on patient care is inspiring, and his dedication to his personal and professional growth will guide him toward a bright future!
