For BSN student Jayden Lathon, nursing was never just a career choice; it was a calling rooted in curiosity, compassion and connection.
Lathon’s fascination with health and the human body started early.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved learning about the human body,” she shared. “The way everything works together to keep us alive has always fascinated me. I also knew that I wanted to help people and play a direct role in their care.”
That passion naturally led her to pursue nursing, a field she describes as “the perfect fit because it combined everything I loved.”
Her path to nursing naturally led her to The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.
“I chose the UT Austin School of Nursing because I loved the atmosphere here,” she said. “The strong sense of community and pride among UT students really stood out to me—it drew me to wearing burnt orange.”
Finding her place
From her first semester, Lathon felt a deep sense of belonging.
“Being a Texas Nursing student means the world to me,” she said. “I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing professors, peers and nurses. From my first day at the UT Austin School of Nursing, I knew this place was special.”
Lathon credits her professors and clinical instructors for helping shape her into the nurse she’s becoming, including Katie Ayers, MSN, RN, clinical instructor; Esther Nwokocha, MSN, RN, clinical instructor; and Morgan Ballantine, MSN, RN, clinical instructor; and Veronica García Walker, PhD, RN, CNE, clinical associate professor. Through her classes and clinical experiences, Lathon has learned that nursing extends far beyond technical skills.
“I’ve learned that nursing requires compassion and understanding,” she said. “It’s not just about giving medications. It’s about being kind, patient and empathetic toward others.”
Leading across campus
Lathon has already made a mark on campus.
She has received the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Scholarship and the HLSR Achievement Scholarship, in addition to other scholarships from the School of Nursing.
Last year, she served as the president of the Jester West Residence Hall Council and as a Senator in the University Residence Hall Association, earning the Student Leader of the Year award.
When reflecting on her accomplishments, Lathon said she’s most proud of her growth throughout nursing school.
“I’ve spent countless hours studying and practicing my skills, and now that I’m in clinicals, I can see that hard work is paying off as I continue learning and communicating with patients,” she added.
“Jayden is persistent and has a good attitude,” García Walker added. “She is focused on trying to learn the material and works hard to do well in nursing school.”
Future focus
After graduation, Lathon plans to return to her hometown of Houston to begin her career at the Texas Medical Center.
“I’m excited to learn from the experienced nurses there,” she said. “After gaining experience, I’d love to further my education and attend graduate school.”
Lathon also hopes to use her platform to inspire others from her community.
I hope to inspire my community to believe that hard work always pays off.”
Lathon said connection and self-care are important for nursing students.
“Find good people and keep them close,” she said. “Nursing school can be challenging, but surrounding yourself with people who uplift and encourage you makes all the difference.
“You can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself,” she continued. “Spend time with family and friends, enjoy your college experience at this amazing university and make time for the things you love.”
As she continues her journey at the School of Nursing, Lathon’s dedication to learning, leadership and empathy exemplify the spirit of Texas Nursing—a commitment to excellence, compassion and care that reaches far beyond the Forty Acres.