Military student profile: Meet Air Force Staff Sgt. Renaya Salmon
Renaya Salmon is an Air Force staff sergeant serving in Hampton at Joint Base Langley-Eustis with seven years in to date. Thomas Nelson is affording Salmon the foundation necessary to ultimately become a registered nurse. Here, the Jamaica West Indies native sheds some light on the student experience.
Discuss your background … hometown, education, etc. What prompted you to join the military? I was born and raised in Jamaica West Indies. I came to United States at the age of 10 and lived in New York until I decided joined the Mmlitary. I graduated high school in 2013. After I graduated, I really wanted to go to school for nursing, but I knew that my mother didn't have the funds to send me to college, and I didn't want to owe any student loans. So, I decided to go to Job Corps to learn a trade. It was a two-year program, however I graduated from the program in six months with my CMA Certification. After graduating from Job Corps, I knew a certificate was not enough for me. I knew I wanted to do more within the medical field, and I did not want to settle for being medical assistant, I wanted to be a Nurse. So, I decided to join the United States Air Force and use that as my platform to get me where I wanted to be.
What is your military job/occupational specialty? What are the duties associated with your current position?
My occupational specialty in the Air Force is a supply management specialist. My daily duties involve managing item and monetary accounting, inventory control, financial planning, and warehousing functions.
When did you decide to go back to school and why did you select Thomas Nelson?
I decided to go back to school in 2018. I really wanted to stick to my goal of becoming a nurse, so I decided to continue my education. I chose Thomas Nelson because I had a friend who completed her nursing pre-requisites through Thomas Nelson, and I was told that the school had a Veterans Services Center and great military career specialists.
What degree are you pursuing and why did you select that program? When are you scheduled graduate? What are your academic goals upon educational completing you Thomas Nelson studies?
Unfortunately, I'm not pursuing a degree at Thomas Nelson. However, my plan is to complete all of my nursing pre-requisites through Thomas Nelson, so that I can apply for the Air Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program. My goal is to become a NICU Nurse.
Describe your experience at the College … the registration/enrollment process, quality of instruction and available support when difficulties arise.
My experience at (Thomas Nelson) has been wonderful, I had no problems going through the registration process and enrolling in my classes. The faculty was very competent and supportive.
How do you balance the demands of work, your education, and your personal life?
I successfully balance the demands of work, school, and my personal life by enrolling in online courses, managing my time wisely, having a solid support system, setting boundaries, rewarding myself, and just giving myself some grace.
What has been the biggest adjustment, if any, you have had to make in going back to school? If you have thought about quitting, what persuaded you to continue?
The biggest adjustment I've had to make in going to go back to school, was going from part time to full time. Being a full-time student, and also being active-duty military is not easy. There were plenty of times I wanted to quit, but I decided to stick with it because I want to be an example for my younger siblings, plus I'm not a quitter. I'm also the first person in my family to ever attend college, so it is a lot of pressure. But God got me.
What advice would you offer fellow service members who may be thinking about going back to school?
I would say, Go for It! Though it may seem scary, it's never too late to pursue or further your education.
Have you completed most of your classes online? If so, describe your on-line learning experience at Thomas Nelson and the advantages it afforded.
I've completed all of my classes online. My experience with on-line learning at (Thomas Nelson) has been a breeze. It offered me the flexibility and freedom to juggle school, my career, and my personal life.
What are your educational and career goals in the next five to 10 years? How will your education help you achieve those goals?
In 10 years, I see myself working in a hospital as the chief nurse officer of the NICU.
Would you recommend the College to other military students? If so, why?
Yes, I would recommend (Thomas Nelson) to other military students because the military team at (the College) is very helpful and professional, and their guidance throughout the whole process of going back to school has made the process a lot easier.