My name is Bailee Hubbard, and I am graduating from the Sinclair School of Nursing’s traditional Bachelor of Science Nursing Program in May 2023. After graduation, I will commission as an active-duty officer in the United States Air Force and start as a Medical Surgical Nurse at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi.

When I was in high school, I realized I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Near the beginning of my senior year, I knew I wanted to join the military. I began researching how to accomplish my dream and where I could attend a school that would check off both my desire to serve and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. In August of my senior year, I visited the University of Missouri and Crowder Hall, home to all Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) branches here at Mizzou.

I immediately fell in love with the school and applied to Mizzou and the Air Force ROTC program. My grandfather, a retired technical sergeant in the United States Air Force (USAF), inspired me and fueled my desire to serve in the USAF. Once I chose Mizzou, I realized I needed to select a major. Throughout high school, I not only discovered my desire to be a nurse through classes like anatomy and physiology but also through my volunteer work at a local nursing home. I then knew I wanted to be a part of a group of people striving for the same goal: caring for people.

Once at Mizzou, I knew my hard work was just beginning. Not only did I have to perform well in Air Force ROTC to earn the opportunity to stay in a competitive program, but I also needed to maintain good grades to soon apply to the Sinclair School of Nursing. After two years of prerequisites, hard work, and dedication, I was admitted into the August 2021 Fall Nursing Student Cohort. I was honored to have earned the opportunity to be in this highly accredited program and proud of my accomplishment while still maintaining good standing in Air Force ROTC.

Now that I am about to graduate, I can reflect on all I have learned and achieved and say that I am so thankful for the opportunities both the Sinclair School of Nursing and Air Force ROTC have given me. I am fully equipped to become a nurse in the United States Air Force and cannot wait to embark on this new journey. Throughout my past four years, I had incredible support systems from both programs, and from my loving family and friends.

After graduation, I will attend a Nursing Transition Program in Scottsdale, Arizona, for about two months. I will then move to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where I will begin on a Medical Surgical Floor. My husband Eric and I will start our military careers together in Biloxi. Wherever my military career takes me, I will always remember everything I have learned throughout my four years at Mizzou and the Sinclair School of Nursing Program. Who knows, maybe I will end up back here to achieve my master’s degree in a few short years!

– Bailee Hubbard