Publication Date
1-26-2021
Abstract
(Jan. 26, 2021) Taylor Owen spends most of his time at East Tennessee State University in a uniform.
Whether it is his ROTC uniform or his College of Nursing scrubs, both are visible reminders of Owen’s priorities and his goal when he graduates in December 2022.
As a member of ETSU’s ROTC program, Owen will commission into the U.S. Army Nursing Corps as a second lieutenant upon graduation.
“My overall goal is to provide the highest level of care to our nation’s soldiers and their families, as well as any injured or ill civilians in areas where I may be deployed,” Owen said. “One of the most important parts of maintaining the strength of the Army is maintaining and improving the health of its soldiers. I hope to be a competent member of the incredible force of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff that work tirelessly to serve our nation’s servicemembers.”
Owen is no stranger to military life, as his father retired from the U.S. Army in 2016. In fact, it was his father’s career that indirectly brought Owen and his family to East Tennessee after living in several cities across the U.S. and in Germany.
“My father served four tours of duty in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan,” Owen said. “When he retired, my family decided to hike the Appalachian Trail, in order to reclaim some of the time we had lost with him. While hiking through the Roan Mountain Highlands, my family fell in love with the area, and we moved to Elizabethton in spring of 2018.”
Owen finished high school the following spring and after touring ETSU, he decided it was a perfect fit for him.
After settling in to his rigorous academic program and busy ROTC schedule, everything changed in spring 2020 when COVID-19 forced ETSU courses to be moved online. It was a new challenge for everyone, but Owen said his nursing professors and his ROTC training prepared him well to weather the challenges of the pandemic.
“The thing I have most appreciated about the College of Nursing has been the instructors,” Owen said. “I have been impressed by their ability to react and adapt to the various changes forced upon us and them by the COVID-19 pandemic. I have deeply appreciated their flexibility and ability to maneuver the obstacles the pandemic has presented in a way that has allowed me to succeed academically.”
While attending classes via Zoom, Owen quickly learned that he needed to adjust his routine and study habits. Being alone all the time was not easy, and he wanted to find establish a disciplined routine similar to what he enjoyed when he attended classes in person.
“I learned quickly that I can't pay attention to classes in my dorm room, so now I do all my classes at the library,” Owen said. “I also stay involved in some extra-curricular activities, like The Well ministry, which has tremendously helped me stay connected to community.”
Elements of his ROTC experience, such as physical training, training in bad weather, and leading during stressful situations, have also prepared him to thrive, even in uncomfortable situations.
“Any cadet, who is trying to better themselves in the program, will encounter a good deal of discomfort. Having already faced discomfort like that has had a positive impact on my ability to adapt to the challenges presented with COVID-19,” Owen said. “I think that level of discipline has been one of the largest contributing factors in my ability to succeed academically, in the midst of all the changes.”
Document Type
News Article
