Balancing the responsibilities of being a young mother with the academic rigor of a nursing program, first-year Honors College student Zaya Campbell faces a schedule most students would find daunting. Yet her passion for nursing stems from deeply personal experiences that have shaped her goals and given her journey new meaning. It was her own experiences navigating healthcare as a young mother that fueled her desire to become a nurse, particularly one who can support young mothers and families going through similar challenges. “I want to make a difference,” Zaya explained, describing how she was motivated by the support—and at times, the lack of support—she encountered during her medical journey.
Kent State University’s Honors College recently awarded Zaya the prestigious May 4 Memorial Honors Scholarship, the only fully funded, in-state, four-year scholarship awarded by the college each academic year to an incoming freshman honors student. This significant award provides a unique opportunity for students who embody perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. Zaya’s story is a testament to these qualities and has inspired her classmates and faculty alike.
Zaya’s daily routine is a careful balance between her commitments as a nursing student and a mother. Each morning, she prepares herself and her young son, a 1.5-year-old toddler, for the day ahead, coordinating childcare and drop-offs with her husband, who is also attending trade school. The couple has worked out a seamless system to manage the demands of their busy schedules. Zaya aims to arrive on campus earlier in the morning from her Youngstown commute, often by 9 a.m., even on days when her classes start later, to give herself time to study or complete assignments. After a full day of classes and studying on campus, she returns home to devote her evenings to family time, preparing dinner and following a bedtime routine with her son. “It’s a team effort,” she says, describing how she and her husband manage their responsibilities together. With support from her nearby parents and in-laws, who help with childcare a few days each week, Zaya is able to stay focused on her goals and balance both her 15-credit-hour courseload and her family’s needs.
Raised in a family with a shared love for music and theater, Zaya describes her family as her rock. “A lot of my time is spent with my family,” she says. “They’re probably my favorite thing. They’re all musical theater nerds too, so it’s always lively.” This family bond has provided not only practical support but also emotional encouragement, especially when balancing the demands of school and motherhood becomes challenging. Her family has fostered her love for the arts, which she credits for building her confidence and sense of identity. Although she did not pursue a career in the arts, her family’s encouragement of her talents helped her believe in her potential, setting a foundation for her academic pursuits.
Reflecting on her time in high school, Zaya recalls fond memories of performing in school musicals like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Bring It On. Although the latter production was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience gave her an outlet to express herself and connect with her peers in meaningful ways. “The arts taught me discipline and commitment, but also gave me a way to express myself,” she says. These skills have proven invaluable as she transitions to the rigorous field of nursing, where empathy, focus, and resilience are crucial.
Receiving the May 4 Memorial Honors Scholarship marks a defining moment in Zaya’s life. Named to commemorate the events on May 4, 1970, when the Kent State community was forever changed, the scholarship honors students who embody the desire to effect positive change. For Zaya, this scholarship represents more than financial support—it’s a recognition of the obstacles she has overcome and the future she envisions. “This scholarship lifts a weight off my shoulders,” Zaya shared. “It’s a reminder that I’m on the right path and that my dreams are worth pursuing.”
Her academic journey is one of grit and determination. What must also be noted about Zaya’s career path is her focus on her ultimate goal: to support families and patients in need. “I want to be the kind of nurse who listens, who makes patients feel seen and valued,” she emphasized, recognizing the profound impact healthcare providers can have on individuals during vulnerable moments. Her desire to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare is driven not only by her experiences but also by her empathy and compassion—qualities she brings into every college class she takes.
As an Honors College student at Kent State, Zaya has found intellectual and personal growth in her Freshman Honors Colloquium (FHC) course. The course, designed to engage students in critical thinking and interdisciplinary exploration, has encouraged her to reflect on her own experiences while broadening her perspective on societal issues. For Zaya, the FHC discussions have been especially valuable, providing an open, supportive environment where she can share her insights while hearing diverse viewpoints from her peers. “It’s empowering to be in a class where everyone brings something different to the table,” she shared, noting how the course has deepened her understanding of empathy—an essential quality she believes will make her a more compassionate nurse.
Beyond the classroom Zaya envisions a future where she not only fulfills her goal of becoming a nurse but also creates a legacy of resilience and compassion for her son. For now, she is focused on mastering her coursework, tackling each semester one step at a time, and being an active, engaged mother. “Every challenge I face now is for him, and for our future,” she shared.
Looking beyond her undergraduate studies, Zaya is already setting her sights on pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. Her long-term vision includes specializing in maternal and child health, an area she feels particularly passionate about given her own experiences as a young mother. “I want to deepen my knowledge and my skills so I can make an even greater impact,” Zaya explained. The advanced training, she believes, will not only allow her to provide a higher level of care to her patients but also to advocate more effectively for young mothers and their families. This aspiration reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and to advancing the quality of care for those who need it most.
As the 2024 recipient of the May 4 Memorial Honors Scholarship, Zaya’s journey will serve as an inspiration to the Kent State community, especially for students balancing a family or other personal commitments with their academic goals. Her story exemplifies the power of resilience, community, and the transformative role of education. With the Honors College’s support, Zaya is not only realizing her dreams but also paving the way for other non-traditional undergraduate students who may follow in her footsteps.
Reflecting on the journey that brought her here, Zaya said, “This scholarship isn’t just for me—it’s for my family, my son, and everyone who has supported me along the way. It reminds me that I have the strength to keep going, no matter what.”
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HEADER PHOTO CAPTION: Zaya Campbell surrounded by siblings while holding Kent State sign.
Media Contact: Stephanie Moskal, smoskal@kent.edu, 330-672-2312