Nursing student, ROTC leader and now, Army nurse
Cierra Delzer talks about her experience at UND, plans for future in the Army
Editor’s note: In the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, the Affinity core value calls on the University to “enhance UND’s military-friendly environment in which we recruit, welcome and retain military-affiliated students and families.” This story reports on a recent UND graduate who took full advantage of the University’s deep commitment to and relationships with the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
This story originally was published on May 20.
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By Jen Koller
What happens when you combine nursing school with military training? You get a powerhouse student such as Cierra Delzer. Originally from Mandan, N.D., Delzer graduated from UND on Saturday. Before that, she was a nursing student and a cadet in the Army ROTC program.
Nursing students who take part in the ROTC for Nursing Students program are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army after completing the program. In the following interview, Jen Koller, marketing and communications coordinator at the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD), spoke with Delzer to learn how she balanced her education and training and her experience in both programs.
ROTC for Nursing Students: ‘An incredible opportunity’
What inspired you to join ROTC?
I joined ROTC as a freshman after enlisting in the North Dakota Army National Guard. In high school, I started to have an interest in the military, and ROTC was a way that I could get a college degree while also getting military experience. I wanted to be able to prioritize getting an education but also have that financial stress taken away, which was one of the main reasons why I joined.
How has ROTC helped you as a nursing student?
ROTC has given me the ability to learn leadership skills, which is something I would not have gotten in a traditional college route. I have also been able to develop time management skills, which has made me a better student. In ROTC, we work a lot on teamwork and how to balance your strengths with other students.
Let’s be real — how do you juggle it all? Classes, ROTC, and a job?
Balancing ROTC with schoolwork and having a job can be difficult at times. What I have found that works best is making a schedule and also using time management skills. A way I have prevented myself from burnout is by communicating with the ROTC instructors about my course load, and they are always more than willing to accommodate.
What advice would you give to someone considering ROTC?
I would encourage them to give it a try. ROTC is an incredible opportunity to develop leadership skills, build relationships and set yourself up for success after college. Through ROTC, there are many internships and schools that you are able to attend, which allows you to get experience outside of your normal classes.
What’s next after graduation?
I plan to commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps upon graduation.
About the author:
Jen Koller is marketing and communications coordinator for the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines.
Learn more about ROTC at UND
Want to learn more about ROTC at UND? Check out the UND ROTC programs to see how you can start your journey.
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