Grace Hall’s journey from National Guard to nursing school
Cincinnatus Scholarship empowers military member to pursue UC nursing dreams
As a dedicated member of the Army National Guard while balancing classes at the University of Cincinnati, Grace Hall has navigated a challenging but rewarding path toward her ultimate goal — a nursing degree.
Her journey, marked by military service and academic excellence, reflects her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the medical field. But it didn’t come easy.
Juggling classes at UC while simultaneously mastering military drill maneuvers with the local National Guard became a balancing act of innovative time management strategies she says wouldn’t have been possible if she hadn’t received the gift of funding.
Hall received the prestigious Cincinnatus Scholarship upon entering UC, which she says played a pivotal role in her academic journey. “Even with the National Guard covering my tuition, the Cincinnatus Scholarship was vital for helping with additional expenses like books, room and board,” Hall explained. “This scholarship was particularly encouraging because I couldn’t receive FAFSA funding due to my parents' salaries.”
The Cincinnatus Scholarship is the cornerstone scholarship program for UC, providing more than $22 million in renewable funding to the brightest and most promising incoming first-year students, including out-of-state students, in all academic disciplines.
Putting what I learn in the classroom into actual practice through co-op and clinical experiences has been my favorite part of nursing school at UC, and is key in better preparing us all for the work force. The Cincinnatus Scholarship allows me to further apply myself in my education, making my National Guard service and academic success possible.
Grace Hall UC nursing student and Army National Guard specialist
Perseverance pays off
Hard for Hall to hold back her excitement after her nursing white coat ceremony. Photo provided
Soon after completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Hall entered her first year at UC in the fall of 2020.
Originally from Greenfield, Indiana, Hall chose UC because of the prestige of the College of Nursing and its close locale during the pandemic when the introduction to university life was unique for most students around the country.
Throughout the academic year, Hall continued her military drills locally in Hamilton, Ohio, while attending mostly online classes.
Between summers spent in out-of-state military training, then continuing drill exercises locally in Lebanon, Ohio, during the academic year, Hall’s dedication paid off by consistently earning a 3.96 GPA and a spot on the Dean’s list each semester.
Radio checks were one of Hall's many duties during her Army National Guard deployment in the Middle East. Photo provided
Hall’s commitment to the National Guard ultimately led to taking a break from her coursework during her third academic year to deploy with her unit overseas in the Middle East where she performed her job in a hostile environment for over nine months.
Despite these challenges, Hall’s passion for nursing remained steadfast, deeply influenced by her mother, an emergency room nurse for over 20 years.
“Watching my mom as a nurse showed me how rewarding collective accomplishments can be,” Hall shared. “I did an internship at a local hospital during my senior year of high school, and even as a volunteer, I felt a strong connection to my patients. When COVID-19 struck, I felt honored to work in such a critical setting, which affirmed my calling to nursing.”
Balancing act
Surrounded by fellow nursing students during her clinical practice is a highlight of Hall's (front, second from left) nursing program at UC. Photo provided
“The financial support from the Cincinnatus Scholarship allowed me to excel in my National Guard training while fully immersing myself in my education,” Hall declares, describing her clinical experiences as the highlight of her nursing program.
Hall’s ability to balance her training in the National Guard with her academic responsibilities became a testament to her resilience. Using her time wisely during drilling exercise downtime, Hall stayed on top of her nursing studies by making and memorizing flashcards. “Because I had no Wi-Fi on the training base, the flashcards were easy to read and memorize.”
Beyond her academic and military commitments, Hall has been an active participant in UC’s community. She continues to serve as an executive member of CleanUp Cincy and has been a campus coach for UC’s Transition and Access Pathways program since 2021, helping new students transition into university life.
After assisting at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Emergency Department as a patient care advocate during the summer of 2022, Hall looks forward to her nursing co-op this summer at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center's ICU float pool, providing her with even more invaluable clinical experience.
“Putting what we learn in the classroom into actual practice through co-op and clinical experiences has been my favorite part of nursing school at UC, and is key in preparing us all for the work force,” Hall beams proudly. “The Cincinnatus Scholarship allows me to further apply myself in my education, making my National Guard service and academic success possible.”
Because of Hall’s earlier deployment in the Middle East, her UC graduation has been delayed until spring of 2025, where she will earn her Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Hall was excited to take her first helicopter ride during her deployment in the Middle East and now looks forward to serving as an active-duty nurse in the Army after graduation. Photo provided
Looking ahead, Hall plans to re-enlist in the U.S. Army as an active-duty nurse. She aspires to continue her service, potentially in Germany, and is considering further training to become a nurse practitioner.
Reflecting on her journey, Hall expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities afforded by her experiences at UC. “This scholarship has helped me overcome financial hurdles, allowing me to focus on my studies and passion for nursing,” Hall boasts proudly. “I am excited to continue my career in the Army and look forward to making a significant impact through my work.”
Hall’s story is a powerful example of dedication, resilience and the transformative power of education and support, underscoring the profound impact of collegiate funding like Cincinnatus on students' lives.
Featured image at top: Grace Hall in UC's College of Nursing. Photo/UC Alumni Association
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