Top Cadet, Jaiden Childs, ’24, Honored as Distinguished Military Graduate

Jaiden Childs is a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and Nursing Cadet in the Brady Battalion Army ROTC at Seattle University. A native Washingtonian, Cadet Childs credits her decision to pursue a career in Army nursing with her passion for leadership and helping others, which she developed at a young age.

“Balancing nursing school and Army ROTC is hard,” said Childs. “It involves 5 a.m. wakeups, late night study sessions, 12-hour clinicals and weekend Army training. To be recognized for a distinguished award makes the struggle worth it and is such an honor.”

To attain the honor of Distinguished Military Graduate, Cadets must rank in the top 20 percent of the National Order of Merit List against Cadets across the nation. This year, there are roughly 5,700 Cadets. The list is comprised of seniors who completed their Cadet Summer Training and ranking is determined by the individual Cadets’ academic, leadership and physical fitness achievements.

“Earning Distinguished Military Graduate honors is an incredibly impressive accomplishment. Cadet Childs represents the very best of our Nation’s Cadets,” said LTC Haley Middlebrook, professor of military science at SU. “She is an extremely intelligent, physically fit, compassionate leader who is highly involved both on campus and in the community. She is an exceptional leader with unlimited potential. This honor is a testament to her commitment and drive throughout her college career. Seattle University ARMY ROTC is very proud of her!”

Get to know more about Cadet Childs and her plan to become an Army Nurse.

Tell us a little about yourself, hobbies, passions, experience, or other details you’d like to share.

I grew up in Washington state and love the pacific west coast. My passions are nursing, fitness and nature. I grew up hiking and developed a love for nature and all animals. At a young age I knew I had a passion for helping others and leadership. This led to my career choice in Army Nursing. While at Seattle University and in Army ROTC, I have organized an annual clothing drive, helped develop a Nursing Student Resource Pantry, rappelled off the Casey Building 3 times, and spent a month in Germany for an internship at an Army hospital.

What does it mean to you to be chosen to receive this honor?

Receiving a Distinguished Military Graduate award means a lot to me. It means I ranked within the top 20% of graduating Cadets in Army ROTC in the Nation. It is determined through academics, fitness scores, extracurricular activities and overall performance. Balancing nursing school and Army ROTC is hard. It involves 5 a.m. wakeups, late night study sessions, 12-hour clinicals, and weekend Army training. To be recognized for a distinguished award makes the struggle worth it and is such an honor. Being an Army Nurse Officer is a challenging path, but I am proud to have the responsibility that comes with it.

What drew you to pursue your BSN at Seattle University?

I was drawn to Seattle University for several reasons. One reason was due to its prestigious reputation and access to great clinical experience. The University’s mission to educate and care for the whole person has been incorporated into my nursing classes and developed my care as a future nurse. I was also fond of the Direct Entry in the first year to the nursing program which allowed me to build connections with my cohort and have the opportunity for early hands-on practice. I did a lot of research and visited the campus and felt this University would help me become a successful nurse. 

What are your plans/career goals after you graduate?

After I graduate, I begin my service in Active Duty in the Army. I will first go through the Basic Officer Leadership Course where I will learn my role as an Army Officer and how to make a difference in this position. I will then go to my first Duty Station and begin working as a nurse in an Army Hospital. I will have many opportunities in the Army to improve my leadership and nursing skills. Later down the line, I want to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference in the health care field.