Meet Avery: The Pitt Nursing Student Combining Care and Leadership in Army ROTC
Malia Savas
Avery Kissinger is learning that leadership and care go hand in hand in the Army ROTC at Pitt. A sophomore nursing student receiving a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship, Avery was surrounded by strong nurses growing up and took inspiration from her mother and grandfather, both nurse anesthetists, and her grandmother, a cardiac intensive care nurse. Although her role models inspired her to pursue nursing, she has always been drawn to service of all kinds, leading her to join the Three Rivers Battalion at Pitt.
Being in the Three Rivers Battalion isn’t without challenges. When combined with the pressures of student life and the rigor of nursing school, the time commitment required by the program can often be daunting. “There have been days where I have to wake up at 0300 for an AFT (Army Fitness Test) and then have a full day of classes afterwards,” she said. “Pushing through that kind of schedule tests my mental focus and physical endurance. It has taught me the importance of time management and persevering…even though I’m running on very little sleep!”
“Time management is key,” said Avery. “I live by my to-do lists. I’ve learned not to take downtime for granted, to communicate with my cadre and professors during conflicts, and to lean on my friends for support. It’s definitely tough. But it’s making me learn how to be more adaptable and efficient.”
However, Avery feels that the high-pressure environments of ROTC and nursing are preparing her for the future in the best way possible, giving her hands-on experience in handling high-pressure situations and hectic environments that she’ll experience one day in her future healthcare career.
Avery’s goal is to commission as an Army Nurse Corps Officer, truly merging her passions for nursing and for serving, while also planning to work as a nurse in a critical care unit. She hopes that these experiences will help her continue her educational journey to graduate school, where she aims to complete an accredited nurse anesthesia program to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She plans to take advantage of the Army’s Advanced Civil Schooling or Long-Term Health Education and Training programs to help her continue to reach her educational goals.
Avery’s strength and determination have set her up for success in pursuing her passions. While developing as a leader and learning to serve others in their most vulnerable moments, she has learned to balance the demanding lifestyles of a nursing student and an ROTC cadet. Doing so has proven that she can take on anything she sets her mind to.
When asked to advise students with similar aspirations, she acknowledged the support offered by the School of Nursing and Student Affairs, stating that both have helped her to continue her journey as both a student and cadet. “Don’t be afraid to take on big challenges,” Avery said. “While nursing and ROTC are incredibly demanding, they are also incredibly rewarding. Surround yourself with a supportive group of friends. Remember why you started. Pitt offers so many opportunities—you just have to be willing to put in the work and embrace the journey.”