Four Years Later, Catching up with a National Vision Scholarship Recipient
Four years ago, Reagan Martin was a recent graduate of North Little Rock High School and was headed to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) to study business.
Her mother, Krystal Martin, a District Manager for our Vista Optical brand, could not have been more proud. On top of Reagan’s many academic accomplishments, to include recipient of the Arkansas Scholars Program, the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Scholarship from UALR and the Dean’s Academic Merit Scholarship, she was also awarded a scholarship through the National Vision College Scholarship Program.
Fast-forward four years, Reagan is now a proud UALR honor graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health, Human Performance and Sport Management, with a concentration in Health Education and Promotion, and minors in Health and Exercise Science and Philosophy.
Reagan’s scholarship from National Vision was renewed all three years of her academic career, for a total of $10,000. Since its establishment in 2006, the National Vision Scholarship Program has awarded a total of more than $370,000 in scholarships to students whose parents are employed by National Vision or certain affiliated healthcare practices.
We recently caught up with Reagan to find out a little more about her time in college and her plans for the future.
You started your college career thinking that you would one day have a business degree. What made you change your mind?
Why the interest in health and fitness?
“I have always been interested in health and fitness, from my many years as a competitive gymnast and ongoing hobby of high-intensity boxing, to my role as a NETA Certified Personal Trainer and USA Gymnastics Professional Member.”
During your junior year at UALR, you studied abroad at the University of Stirling in Scotland for five months. Tell us more about this experience.
“World travel made me more culturally-rounded, and it’s also impacted my life in ways I would have never imagined. I visited 13 European countries during my stay, finding a true passion for travel, and I left Scotland with everything I’d hoped for and much more. I returned to the states as a confident, strong, and independent woman with memories I’ll cherish forever.”
What keeps you busy now that you are done with college?
“I am currently employed as a Physical Therapy Technician, and also work as a Recreational Director and Head Competitive Gymnastics Coach.
Ultimately, I’d like to specialize in Pediatric Sports Therapy to assist in injury prevention and help children work through medical sports restrictions.”
Why a focus on pediatrics?
“Devoting so many years to coaching really taught me how to connect and share my knowledge with children. I want to lead by example and impact kids in an irreplaceable way, all while committing myself to exercise education and encouraging others.”
Will there be more schooling in your future?
“Yes! My goal is to obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.”
Reagan was selected for the National Vision College Scholarship based on several criteria to include her past academic performance and future potential. It was our privilege to help support her educational goals.
Congratulations Reagan on your graduation! We wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.
Interested in keeping up with Reagan? Visit her blog to see what she is up to these days!
Jessica Altamirano
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