Alumni Achievers – Sarah Bush, Brentwood High Class of 2009

Published November 20, 2014

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Sarah Bush is a Naval Lieutenant who is currently stationed at Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida. She is also a registered nurse, and beginning next summer, Bush will be the nurse on the USS Ronald Reagan.

Bush grew up in Williamson County and attended Lipscomb Elementary, Brentwood Middle and Brentwood High.

When did you join the armed forces and what led you to do so?

I joined the Navy while I was still in college. The Navy has a program for people who attend nursing school at universities that do not have a Naval ROTC program called the Nurse Candidate Program, and you typically apply and are accepted when you have two years left in upper level nursing work. I knew that I wanted something more out of nursing, something with more excitement and adventure, and the Navy fit the bill perfectly. Getting to serve my country is an amazing perk as well. I am privileged to care for some of the most deserving patients in the world.

How did you become interested in the medical field?

I think one of the things that got me excited about the medical field were the science courses I took early on in high school. Getting to take anatomy and physiology and learn about the different organs and their functions was a blast for me. The classes at Brentwood High were amazing, and I really enjoyed all the hands-on experience we received. From there, I decided that I wanted to be able to take care of patients while maintaining flexibility, which meant nursing was a perfect fit. I have gotten to experience so many different fields, from hematology/oncology to intensive care, to the administrative side of things. I love the diverse range of options a nurse has – no way I could ever be bored!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the people I meet the most, hands down. We serve active duty, their families and retirees. Not only do I get to meet others in the military, with awesome experiences and stories (fighter pilots, special operations, submariners, and more), but I get to care for those who have served our country in the past, and hear their stories. I love listening to the World War II vets tell sea stories. It drives home the point that these were people just like us, who were goofy kids, just like us, who nonetheless answered their nation’s call in one of the worst conflicts the world has ever seen. It is a humbling experience.

I also enjoy the opportunity to do some really cool things that your average nurse doesn’t really get to do. The military offers some of the most innovative training out there – from being sent all over the world to going through simulated combat scenarios, the learning doesn’t stop.

What did you enjoy most about your high school experience?

High school was awesome. Our school offered so many different classes and activities. I loved taking art class with Mrs. Bullard and Mrs. Humbert – it was like a soothing relaxation every day! I also got to take many of the AP classes, from European history with the always entertaining Wes Adams, to AP US History with the unforgettable Sarah Bayrd, and all in-between. My curriculum was challenging and engaging, and it wound up putting me almost two semesters ahead in college. I also had the chance to be in the color guard of the marching band, which was one of the most fun, hard-working groups I have ever been a part of (maybe second only to the military – and even then, I think Band Camp might have been a bit more hardcore, haha).

What WCS teacher made a difference in your life and how?

So many teachers made a difference; it is hard to point at one! Sarah Bayrd – what a strong, smart woman. She was an inspiration – talk about a woman who knew who she was, and was fervently so! Wes Adams – there’s a guy who made learning fun and ridiculous and memorable and incredibly effective. Mrs. Gilliland, in the kindergarten realm – I miss her so very much, and I have her to thank for instilling in me a love of learning. I cannot thank all my teachers enough, really. I am incredibly fortunate to have experienced the best schools Williamson County had (in my humble opinion)!

Do you have any advice for current WCS students?

Advice for WCS students: don’t peak too early! Experience change, travel, always learn and grow, and DO NOT BE AFRAID to take the path less traveled. Not too many of my friends went into the military (I can think of one), and what an amazing experience that has been. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should or should not do. If you want to do something, go for it and leave the naysayers behind.