Veterans Day Student Spotlight: Sarah Brackenbury

In honor of Veterans Day, UA Little Rock is featuring outstanding students. Allow us to introduce Sarah Brackenbury, a student veteran and a prospective nurse who is committed to continuing her family’s esteemed legacy in both the military and nursing.

Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Sarah Brackenbury, and I am a first-year nursing student. I hail from Pekin, Indiana, and my favorite pastime is riding motorcycles with my husband. I have a one-year-old son named Benjamin, and my husband is currently serving in the active-duty Air Force. I just finished in the Air Force as a staff sergeant; in the Army, I was a sergeant.

What influenced your decision to join the military?

I chose to join the military because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my family members who had served their country before me.

What motivated you to choose your major?

I chose nursing as my major because I believed it would offer opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What led you to choose UA Little Rock?

I selected UA Little Rock because it provides the flexibility to work while pursuing my education.

When is your expected graduation date, and what are your post-graduation plans?

I anticipate graduating in May 2025. After graduation, I hope to secure a position at one of the local hospitals, although I am still uncertain about the specific nursing specialty I wish to pursue.

What unique opportunities has UA Little Rock provided that you might not have found elsewhere?

UA Little Rock has afforded me the freedom to create my own schedule, a feature not always available at other institutions, especially for nursing students.

What advice would you offer to fellow students?

If I were to provide advice to other students, particularly young individuals transitioning from high school, I would emphasize the importance of determining their career goals before embarking on a four-year college journey. It took me until I was 25 years old to discover my true calling.

Veterans Day is approaching. Why do you believe it is crucial to commemorate Veterans Day?

Veterans Day holds personal significance for me, as it serves as an occasion to honor the living veterans who were willing to make tremendous sacrifices for the well-being of strangers right here at home.