Mom Knows Best: A Legacy Story
Following in your parent’s footsteps can be expected, especially when it comes to college decisions. Anthony “AJ” Guinn’s (nursing, class of 2024) story is no different but with a Baptist twist. Few can say they followed both their mom’s education and career path. AJ grew up watching his mother, Melanie Guinn (nursing, class of 2007), attend nursing school at then-Baptist College of Health Sciences when he was a child. She worked full-time in phlebotomy and was encouraged by her mother-in-law during a hospital stay to go back to school for a nursing degree.
Previously, Melanie worked at The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center for seven years after earning her medical assistant diploma from Concorde College.
As a Baptist student, Melanie worked full-time to keep a steady income and health insurance benefits for the family while attending night and weekend classes for nursing. She graduated in 2007 with her Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
Melanie enjoyed her time at Baptist, making friends that she still speaks with regularly. “Our Baptist teachers would hold pizza study sessions for us on the weekend,” said Melanie.
Fast forward a few years and AJ was graduating from high school, looking to pursue a medical career. He applied to Baptist Health Sciences University with the intent to graduate with a bachelor’s in nursing.
“I told him to get a degree in surgery technology before jumping into nursing,” said Melanie. AJ did not agree with that approach. Instead, he applied directly to the nursing program. “I saw my mom earn her nursing degree, all without the support she gives me,” said AJ. “If she could do it, I knew I could do it.”
Nursing school is not for the faint of heart. Graduates talk about their challenges while in school helping them to be better nurses in real practice. “I encouraged AJ when he needed a boost,” said Melanie. “He came home from school talking about classes and teachers and asking me for insight since some of our teachers were the same!”
AJ graduated with his Bachelor of Science in nursing on August 15, 2024. He was involved on campus as a student, serving on the Student Government Association as VP of Community Service. He was also a strong student and a scholarship recipient of the Legacy of Community Service Scholarship. “The scholarship assistance allowed me to focus on my studies, clinical experiences and extracurricular involvement without undue financial stress,” said AJ.
AJ has plans to apply for certified registered nurse anesthetist school. He wants to work in pediatric care and enjoys acting as a facilitator with parents and kids. AJ has a picture with his mom at her 2007 graduation from nursing school and now he has a recreation of the photo at his 2024 graduation.
