Tortosa 18-Year-Old Celebrates Remarkable Master’s Degree Graduation

In a remarkable achievement, 18-year-old Sarah Fish is poised to graduate with a Master’s degree in nursing from Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. This accomplishment sets her apart from her peers, as she will be stepping directly from high school into a professional career.

A resident of Tortosa, Fish has swiftly navigated her educational journey, transitioning from a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences to her master’s at ASU’s downtown Phoenix campus. “I’m excited and nervous to move on to a nursing career,” she expressed, acknowledging her mixed emotions about leaving the classroom behind.

Fish’s intrigue in the medical field began in childhood. “I always looked up to the people in the medical field because of how they dedicated their lives to helping others,” she reflected. Her passion for science led her to nursing, a field she sees as both stable and rewarding.

Her success was accelerated by a dual enrollment program at Maricopa’s Sequoia Pathway Academy, which allowed her to offset the costs of her education. “This opportunity would allow me to get some of my college paid for, so I agreed to it,” she noted.

Support from family and educators played a pivotal role in her accomplishments. Having her brothers, Adam and Jonathan, in the same classes provided both motivation and camaraderie. “Some teachers during my first year were very encouraging,” she added.

Despite the support, the journey was not without challenges. Registration for classes proved particularly tough, as Fish navigated administrative hurdles due to her age. “The Maricopa Community College District put two holds on my account because I was under the age of 18,” she explained.

Throughout her studies, Fish has celebrated various milestones. “My genetic engineering lab, where I made a plant glow, and successfully inserting a Foley catheter during my master’s program are standout moments,” she shared.

Her schedule demands discipline. “On clinical days, I wake up at 4:30 a.m. and don’t get back until 8 p.m.,” she described, highlighting her time management skills amidst busy academic and work commitments.

Looking toward her future, Fish is drawn to high-intensity hospital environments, particularly the post-anesthesia care unit on the cardiovascular floor. “Other units that I could be interested in are the ED and cardiovascular ICU,” she specified, indicating her ambition in critical care.

In five years, she envisions herself further advanced in the medical field, potentially pursuing a nurse practitioner degree or working in the ICU or PACU. “The idea of going to college at a young age may seem daunting, but it is doable with enough hard work,” she advised peers considering a similar accelerated path.

If given the chance, she would impart wisdom to her younger self about personal learning styles and the importance of building connections with professors and colleagues. Sarah Fish exemplifies determination and ambition, inspiring others to follow their dreams in the medical field.