A former stuntman, a Science Olympiad enthusiast and a second-generation nurse share what inspires them to be champions of care.
Chamberlain University is the No. 1 grantor of nursing degrees to men in the United States.
Hameed Zagadinow
Class of 2027
Stockbridge, Georgia
How did you get interested in nursing?
In the military, I was a flight medic and a firefighter, so I’ve always done some type of emergency medicine. Most recently I was a stunt guy for movie and television productions, and I got injured. After the third surgery, they actually suggested a fourth surgery and I said “no, thank you.” I decided to pursue other endeavors, which led me to this program.
How did your personal experience make you want to be an advocate for patients?
I had an accident many years ago during my military service, and a doctor strongly advocated for surgery. I was against it. Several days later, he came in and said, “you ready for the surgery?” I took it up to my commanding officer, and we sorted everything out, but I felt like I was not being heard.
I want to be in the system and work for changes. My purpose is to help other people the best way I can.
See how Adtalem Sets the Pace for Educating More Men in Nursing
Gabriel Juan
Class of 2026
Phoenix, Arizona
What inspired you to be a nurse?
I’ve been surrounded by it my whole life. My mom is a nurse, and I have a lot of aunties and uncles who are in medical fields. My mom was in the cardiovascular ICU. I remember we brought her dinner because she had been there for so long, and she walked out with her personal protective equipment on. Full bodysuit. I remember being intimidated but also looking at her like she was my superhero.
Have you seen family members receive care that inspired you?
My grandmother had open heart surgery in 2019. Now I am getting an opportunity to be on the telemetry floor again. I’m able to see that perspective not from the patient side, but from the nurse’s side.
How do you want to advocate for patients?
I want to help other people who don’t speak English as their first language. No one wants to be in the hospital, especially being an immigrant who doesn’t speak English well. My grandmother was very scared, but she had nurses there who spoke Filipino, and that helped calm her down. I want to be that person for patients when I’m able to go into the field.
Ashton Alexander
Class of 2026
Stockbridge, Georgia
When did you know you wanted to be a nurse?
I knew that I wanted to get into healthcare ever since I was in middle school. I was diving into different science-based programs like Science Olympiad. I always took those opportunities to build my knowledge base on science, and then I connected it to people.
How do you want to advocate for patients?
Seeing family members who have mental health issues and seeing people in general who struggle with mental health really moves me to become part of the force of good in that field for underserved populations.
After graduating with my BSN, I would like to further my studies and go into psychiatric nursing with a goal to open up some type of urgent care center for mental health needs.
How do you approach care?
Everybody knows me as a spunky person. We can have fun while making sure that you’re getting cared for, and I want people to know that. I work in healthcare right now, and I know how daunting it can get.
Learn more about how Adtalem is Championing Care.
For more information, email the Adtalem Global Communications Team: adtalemmedia@adtalem.com.
