Serving on Two Fronts: Jasmine Solorzano’s dual commitment to care and country

Early mornings and long hours are familiar to Jasmine Solorzano. As a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Integrative Health (BSN-IH) program at the College of Nursing, she balances a rigorous academic schedule while serving as a cadet in the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). In doing this, Solorzano has taken on two challenging paths, each demanding unwavering discipline and a clear sense of purpose. Originally from Orange County, California, she is the eldest of four siblings, with one older brother and two younger sisters. Solorzano is a proud Latina college student and is also the first in her family to pursue a health care career and the first female to serve in the military. She carries her family’s values of integrity, respect, humility, responsibility, and compassion in every part of her journey.

Solorzano says she was drawn to the University of Arizona’s (U of A) nursing program because of its holistic approach and strong resources. “When I toured the Gilbert campus, I saw right away how much the program had to offer, not just academically but in how it approached health care as a whole,” she said. “The focus on integrative health stood out to me. It wasn’t only about traditional pharmaceutical solutions; it also included non-pharmacological holistic methods, going beyond treating illness and focusing on promoting long-term wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. It focuses on viewing patients not just as conditions but as whole people with individual stories and needs. I’ve learned how to integrate practices like mindfulness, movement, and nutrition into my clinical care—so I’m not just treating illness, I’m promoting long-term healing.” The program’s advanced simulation labs and reputable national standing also influenced her decision. This year, the college’s BSN program was ranked No. 13 among public nursing programs nationwide and No. 1 in the state, a recognition Solorzano said contributed to her decision.

Another significant advantage, Solorzano said, has been the smaller class sizes at the Gilbert campus, which enable more personal interaction with faculty and hands-on learning opportunities. “The one-on-one interaction with professors has helped me grow,” she said. “I’ve been able to develop my clinical skills and build confidence through those relationships.” Her interest in nursing, however, started long before college. One of her grandmothers operated a pharmacy in Mexico, and the other received hospice care at home during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watching nurses provide compassionate care for her family left a lasting impression. “The nurses who cared for my grandmother shaped the kind of nurse I want to be, someone who sees individuals as whole people with unique needs, stories, and healing capacities. Someone who promotes wellness with compassion,” she said. 

Solorzano’s decision to join the Army ROTC Wildcat Battalion was both personal and driven by a strong desire to serve. Her parents work in law enforcement, and her grandfather served in the Air Force. She described her decision to enlist as a way to give back to the country. “Both nursing and military service share a commitment to being part of something bigger than yourself and serving others with compassion, integrity, and purpose,” she said. She chose the Army specifically because of its career opportunities in emergency and critical care nursing, fields she hopes to pursue after graduation. With a keen interest in trauma, ICU, and high-intensity care settings, Solorzano is eager about the opportunities ahead.

Now in her final semester, Solorzano will soon be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After graduation, she will head to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where she will complete the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), a training program designed to prepare her for leadership as a nursing officer. Her nursing training has taught her how to stay calm under pressure, lead with empathy, and make decisions that affect the entire team. Solorzano plans to take the Registered Nurse (RN) National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in September before receiving her first duty station assignment.

Solorzano said reaching this point hasn’t been easy, as her journey involved its share of early challenges. Moving away from her family at 18 brought a wave of new responsibilities and pressures. Balancing the demands of nursing school with ROTC duties requires strong time management skills and personal discipline. “Some days I’m up at 5:30 a.m. for training, and then I’m in classes or clinicals the rest of the day,” she said. “There were definitely times I felt overwhelmed, but I’ve been able to get through it with the help of supportive family, faculty, classmates, and the ROTC community.” She added that the leadership skills she’s developed have transferred directly into her clinical experiences, where staying organized and supportive under stress is essential to providing safe, compassionate nursing care. 

Throughout everything, Solorzano has recognized the importance of self-care and leaning on her support network. She credits her family, close friends, and faculty for helping her manage both the physical and emotional challenges of her dual commitments. “You can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself,” she says. “Whether that means hitting the gym, spending time with friends, or leaning on people who understand what you’re going through, that’s what has helped me keep going.”

At the heart of her journey is a core value that guides every decision: integrity. “Integrity means doing the right thing when no one’s watching,” she said. “That’s essential both in health care and in the military. You’re responsible for people’s lives, and your actions matter, whether someone sees them or not.” She also emphasizes the importance of holding herself to high standards and leading by example. “You can’t expect people to follow your lead if you’re not willing to do the same work yourself,” Solorzano said.

 For those considering the challenge of studying nursing, whether alongside military training or independently, Solorzano offers words of encouragement: “If it were easy, everyone would do it,” she said. “But it’s the hard parts that make it so rewarding. No one can take those accomplishments away from you.” She hopes her story inspires others to follow their passion for nursing, military service, or both.