From Court to Clinic: Balancing Nursing Studies and Volleyball - A Conversation with Raelyn Johnson

Academic Excellence Meets Athletic Achievement

In celebration of National Women in Sports Day, we had a conversation with Bryant & Stratton College AAS/ADN Nursing Program alumna and 2024 class valedictorian Raelyn Johnson to discuss her journey as a student-athlete. Her story exemplifies the dedication and balance required to pursue both academic excellence and athletic achievement, ultimately leading to her outstanding academic accomplishments.

Early Beginnings in Volleyball

Johnson’s volleyball journey began in sixth grade, where her determination was evident from the start. Unable to officially play due to age restrictions, she took on the role of team manager for her middle school team. “The coach let me practice with the team, even though I was the manager, and that’s where I started to love the game,” Johnson recalls. This early passion led to her playing varsity in both seventh and eighth grade, continuing throughout high school while maintaining an active presence in travel volleyball.

Choosing College Athletics

When asked about her choice to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level, Johnson reflects on her deep connection to the sport. “I chose volleyball mainly because I have been playing it all my life. I enjoyed it more than other sports I played, particularly because of how fast-paced the game is and the team atmosphere.”

Managing the Student-Athlete Life

The transition to college brought new challenges as Johnson balanced the demanding nursing program with her athletic commitments. “There were a lot of days where I had to go straight from class or clinicals to practice or a game,” she shares. Her dedication to both pursuits required creative time management, often studying on bus rides to games and maximizing every moment before and after practice – a work ethic that would eventually earn her the highest academic honor in her graduating class.

Finding Balance Through Sport

Despite the rigorous schedule, Johnson found that her athletic involvement actually enhanced her academic experience. “Having volleyball as an outlet really helped me,” she explains. She emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining this balance, making time for activities like going to the gym, cooking, and unwinding with television before bed.

The B&SC Advantage

The Bryant & Stratton College nursing program at the Virginia Beach Campus provided an intimate learning environment which proved to be a perfect fit for Johnson. She particularly valued the small classroom sizes and the opportunity to develop close relationships with both professors and classmates. “I felt comfortable asking questions and getting help if needed because all my teachers knew their students on a first name basis, unlike bigger schools,” she notes.

Advice for Future Nursing Students

For future nursing students, Johnson offers practical advice drawn from her experience. She strongly recommends using a planner to organize assignments and tests, emphasizing the importance of preparation: “Reading all the material prior to class helps you better understand what you’re learning and enables you to have an educated discussion.” She also advocates for creating detailed study guides and starting test preparation well in advance to ensure proper retention of information.

Finding Inspiration in Dedication

When asked about professional athletic inspirations, Johnson takes a refreshingly honest approach. Rather than citing famous athletes, she finds inspiration in the dedication she observes in athletes at all levels. “Any athlete that I saw playing their sport and seemed like they put in so much effort and drive would inspire me to do better with my sports,” she explains.

A Legacy of Success

Johnson’s story demonstrates that with proper time management, dedication, and support, students can successfully pursue both their academic and athletic passions. Her journey from dedicated student-athlete to class valedictorian serves as an inspiration for future student-athletes, showing that the skills developed through sports – discipline, time management, and teamwork – can complement and enhance academic success.

Start Your Journey Today

Bryant & Stratton College is a proud champion of students like Raelyn Johnson. Start your own journey today and see how Bryant & Stratton College is built different for you with career-focused programs, convenient class options, and a support team focused on your success.