Meet Rachel and Nathan Shearin

Mother and son navigate unique semester on campus together

As Belmont opened its doors to a new group of students this August, two students stood out from the crowd — Rachel Shearin, a soon-to-be graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing program, and her stepson, Nathan, a freshman legal studies major just beginning his college journey. Their overlapping semesters at Belmont mark a special milestone for the Shearin family. 

Rachel's journey to the Inman College of Nursing (ICON) is a testament to her dedication to serving others. Her 20-year career in the Air Force began as a medic, where she gained valuable experience in health care. After exploring different roles within the military, she felt a pull back to her medical roots. 

"I knew I wanted to go back to nursing and helping people," Rachel said.  

Now, only a semester from graduation, Rachel balances her studies with her work as a forensic nurse in the emergency department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  

"My background in the military, understanding PTSD and my experience in women's health and forensics all come into play in what I do now," she reflected. “The training I'm receiving at ICON is taking my skills to the next level.” 

ICON's commitment to individualized student support has been crucial for Rachel, especially as she juggles her studies, work and family life. 

"What really sets Belmont apart, though, is the personal approach,” she said. “The small class sizes allow for meaningful relationships with professors who truly care about our success. I can email a professor without being nervous that they don't know who I am." 

Meanwhile, Nathan is diving into his first semester with enthusiasm. He’s currently on track for the 3+3 program, which allows students to complete both their undergraduate degree and law school in just six years. Given that it’s only the third week of classes, though, Nathan is open-minded about his career path.  

"I'm really interested in law," Nathan shared. “But it’s still so early. I’m just looking forward to figuring it out. I’m excited to join some clubs and get into the groove of college life.”  

The mother-son duo's overlapping Belmont experience wasn't planned, but it's proved serendipitous. "It's wild to me, kind of how God has made that transition work," Rachel shared.  
 
As thrilled as Rachel is to have Nathan join her on campus, every parent is nervous about the transition from high school to college.  Rachel prayed that Belmont’s close-knit campus would help Nathan find community. 

However, Welcome Week put her fears to rest. 

“Getting to see that side of Belmont from the parent perspective was so unique and vibrant,” Rachel said. “Belmont really cares. It was so special to see.”  

Nathan's experience during Welcome Week was so positive that he is already planning to apply to be a Towering Traditions leader in the future. "I loved Welcome Week. It was such a great way to start the semester," he shared. "I still see a lot of people from my group on campus, and we say hi. I hang out with a lot of them every day." 

As Rachel completes her journey and Nathan begins his, their shared Belmont experience stands as a testament to the University's unique ability to bring families together in pursuit of academic excellence.