Alex Tecle- "Everyone is a child of God, even if they don't know it."

Most people have a stereotypical view of college students and how they spend their time. Socializing, partying, athletics: these are all common college priorities that can overshadow the importance of academia.

            

For students like Alex Tecle, however, college has taken a different form. As a 21-year-old Nursing major at College of the Ozarks, Alex daily chooses to sacrifice the traditional “college experience” in order to focus on his career field. However, the experience and discipline he is gaining has set him up as a future leader in the Nursing world.  

            

Alex’s passion for nursing began at a young age. While many other children were focused on youthful careers, he was spending time with the nurses at a local hospital where both of his parents worked.

            

“I got used to the environment and the nature of the job. I recognized the passion my parents and the staff had for helping people, and even at a young age I related to that.”

            

Throughout his younger years, Alex was full of energy and creativity. He quickly developed a strong educational discipline by looking to his parents as positive role models.

“My Dad set a good precedent for the family by leading us in faith and teaching a good work ethic. He is always unselfish in putting others first, and I still look up to him, to this day.”



When the time came to consider options for college, Alex was confident that he would be studying Nursing at a large state university. But it was a recommendation from family friends and an act of faith that led him to do a campus tour at College of the Ozarks.

            

“Even once I took the tour, I wasn’t necessarily sure that C of O was for me. But there was something about it that was alluring, so I took a chance and just hoped for the best. Looking back, I am so glad I took that risk. I’ve been so blessed with my opportunities here.”

            

As soon as he began school at College of the Ozarks, Alex began to get involved in the many opportunities on campus. He quickly realized that being a college-level Nursing student at C of O would require even more than he had imagined. Even still, he was not intimidated by the workload, but instead stayed confident in the discipline and work ethic he was taught as a child.

            

“Being a part of the Nursing program at C of O has taught me a lot about leadership. I’ve always been fascinated with servant leadership and those leaders who build trust with their people by getting in and doing the hard, dirty work. The program here definitely emphasizes that.”

          



Upon his graduation, Alex hopes to continue his studies with the intent of further developing his career. He feels comfortable with his future as an RN, and even expresses interest in eventually becoming a Nurse Practioner. His future success will likely come at a cost, but it is a sacrifice Alex is willing to make to serve and better his community.

Today, those who know Alex can see all of his hard work paying off. Still he refuses to stop where he is at, and instead continues to push forward to inspire future leaders in the Nursing field.

“The best advice I would give to someone considering Nursing is to pray for God to develop a servant heart in them. We have a chance to show love to those who might not want to accept it. Though it’s hard, we are called as Christians and as nurses to love people because everyone is a child of God, even when they don’t know it.”