Called to Serve: A Q&A with Traditional BSN Student Gabriel Rosario-Marzan
In honor of Veterans Day, Gabriel Rosario-Marzan - UK College of Nursing Traditional BSN student who is also in the Army ROTC program - shared his journey to nursing and service.
Q: What inspired you to pursue nursing, and how has your military/ROTC experience influenced that decision?
A: I saw nursing as an opportunity to serve others while using my career as a ministry to share the love of Jesus through both my words and actions. Growing up as a military child, military service has always been a significant part of my life. Being raised in the military community gave me a firsthand appreciation for the sacrifices, dedication, and resilience of service members and their families. Those experiences instilled in me a deep love for the military and a strong desire to serve my country which I can do through ROTC.
Q: What lessons or skills from your military/ROTC experience have helped you as a nursing student?
A: During my time in Army ROTC, I had the opportunity to participate in the Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Throughout this experience, I worked alongside Army and civilian nurses across various specialties, including the Emergency Department (ER), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Operating Room (OR), and Medical-Surgical Unit, completing 144 documented clinical hours. This opportunity allowed me to strengthen my hands-on nursing skills, develop meaningful patient interactions, and apply critical thinking and clinical judgment in a variety of patient care situations. Additionally, working alongside experienced military nurses provided valuable insight into the leadership, adaptability, teamwork, and professionalism required of an Army Nurse Corps officer. This experience not only strengthened my clinical confidence and nursing abilities, but also reinforced my commitment to serving as a nurse and leader in the United States Army.
Q: How has being a nursing student shaped the way you think about service and caring for others?
A: Throughout my time as a nursing student, I learned that it provided me an opportunity to put my faith into action through service to others. I strive to live my life for God, allowing my faith to guide my purpose and the way I care for those around me. Through nursing, I can reflect Christ’s love by serving others with compassion, kindness, humility, and selflessness. My goal is to be a source of comfort, hope, and encouragement to patients and their families, especially during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. To me, nursing is more than a career; it is a calling to serve others and glorify God through my actions.
Q: Why did you choose the UK College of Nursing?
A: I chose the University of Kentucky College of Nursing because of its commitment to academic excellence, hands-on clinical experience, and preparation for the NCLEX. I believe the program provides the education, resources, and opportunities necessary to strengthen my clinical skills, develop my critical thinking abilities, and grow into a knowledgeable, compassionate, and confident nurse. Ultimately, I wanted to attend a nursing program that would challenge me to reach my full potential and prepare me to provide the highest quality of care to my future patients.
Q: As you look toward your future as a nurse, how do you hope to continue serving others and making a difference?
A: Nurses meet people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They may be sick, hurting, confused, or afraid. Yet regardless of the circumstances, I can choose compassion—to make someone feel safe, advocate for them when they feel like they don’t have a voice and remind them that they are not alone.
