Forman Scholar Ke’Asia Anthony Eyes Nursing Career as Opportunity to Extend Record of Selflessness and Service
As Ke’Asia Anthony will tell you, being named homecoming queen by your classmates is no small feat, let alone being named homecoming and prom queen. Impossible as it may sound, the Forman Scholar has earned both titles, an achievement she attributes to her gregarious personality and commitment to the Salem community. Ke’Asia plans to sustain this record of ‘service with a smile’ by pursuing a degree in nursing at Rowan University this fall.
“Helping others has always brought me so much joy, so when it came time to consider a college major and even a future career, nursing seemed like a no-brainer,” Ke’Asia said.
Ke’Asia looks forward to spending the next few years at Rowan, a school she visited – and fell in love with – as a middle school student. The campus is only a short distance away from her beloved hometown, and she’s already gotten to know some fellow Profs. With Rowan’s top-notch nursing program, Ke’Asia is confident the university will provide her with all of the tools and training she’ll need to excel as a medical professional and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
“I’ve always wanted to live my life with purpose,” Ke’Asia said. “Nursing, a field that requires you to put others first, will allow me to accomplish that. I want to be an advocate for my patients and do whatever I can to keep them safe and healthy.”
While a student at Salem High, Ke’Asia was a superstar both on and off the field. Following in her sister’s field hockey footsteps, Ke’Asia played on Salem’s varsity team throughout her entire tenure at SHS. She competed on the school’s spring track and field team, participating in the 100- and 200-meter events, as well as the 400-meter hurdles. After school, Ke’Asia could also be found serving as a member of the Ambassadors Club and RAM Connection, a tutoring program that bolstered her belief in the need for community engagement.
“As a member of RAM Connection, I had the opportunity to build and maintain impactful relationships with countless members of my community,” Ke’Asia said. “It was feel-good work that sparked my desire to continue these efforts at the collegiate level.”
Ke’Asia is extremely excited about the experiences that await her on Rowan’s campus. Surrounded by new friends, she anticipates making a multitude of memories.
“You’re only a college student for a brief part of your life, so you have to make the most of it,” Ke’Asia said.
Ke’Asia considers herself lucky to have been raised in Salem, a community she feels directly and positively impacted her growth and development. She hopes to make a powerful impact on others once a college graduate and registered nurse.
“I’ve benefited immensely from the guidance and support of others, so I want to, in a sense, pay it forward and be a similar support system for those of the next generation,” Ke’Asia said.
With plans to eventually return to the area, Ke’Asia wants to get back into tutoring and build upon the work she accomplished as a member of RAM Connection. Also, as an avowed fashionista, she hasn’t ruled out launching a clothing line in addition to her work tending to patients. Ultimately, her goal is to provide help where it is needed most.
For Ke’Asia, the Forman Acton Foundation has already played a pivotal role in her life, and she remains immensely thankful for what she says is the organization’s transformational support.
“Not everyone has a Forman Acton Foundation guiding them through the college experience, and I recognize that,” Ke’Asia said. “Every member of the Foundation’s community – from its staff members to its board members and beyond – wants to see nothing less than my absolute success. That type of encouragement is indescribable. I feel like anything is possible.”