What happens when an educator realizes their calling lies not just in shaping minds, but in healing bodies and spirits?
For Lucas Loots, the answer meant embarking on one of life's most transformative journeys—trading his place at the front of the classroom for a seat among eager nursing students, proving that it's never too late to pursue a passion that ignites your soul.
After years of dedicating himself to teaching English Language Learners across eastern and northern Colorado, Loots made a bold decision that would reshape his entire future. He stepped away from the familiar rhythm of lesson plans and parent conferences to chase a dream that had been quietly growing in his heart: becoming a nurse through the University of Colorado College of Nursing's Accelerated (UCAN) BS in Nursing program.
The transition wasn't just about changing careers—it was about answering a deeper calling to serve others in a new and profound way.
“I think working as an educator is a good perspective to have, but it’s hard to compare the teaching I did to being taught now as a nursing student,” he says. “In my role as a teacher, I was filling different roles besides an educator—I was part life coach, part social worker, so I think that made me realize going into nursing would be a good career transition for me.”
A Pandemic Sparks Purpose
For Loots, witnessing the incredible dedication and compassion of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic became the catalyst for his life-changing decision. He saw healthcare heroes not just treating patients, but educating, comforting, and advocating for those in their most vulnerable moments.
“With nursing, you’re doing a variety of roles to help patients and families, but you’re still educating them,” he says. “You’re also building those relationships, and I knew this profession would challenge me personally and professionally.”
Building those relationships is something that drew Loots into nursing, since he spent a lot of time tutoring students one-on-one. He also worked as a medical assistant, allowing him to form relationships and trust with patients.
“I think my experience as a tutor is more directly related to that one-on-one time you get with direct patient care,” Loots says. “I felt like instead of being at the head of the classroom, I would thrive in that one-on-one environment with patients.”
Adjusting to School
Returning to student life while balancing the demands of family—including quality time with his wife and toddler—required Loots to rediscover the art of balance and self-care. Rather than seeing these challenges as obstacles, he embraced them as opportunities for growth and resilience.
“Focusing on self-care is important. For me, running is essential to my self-care,” he says, “and it helps that my wife has been very supportive throughout this program.”
His journey reminds us that pursuing our dreams doesn't mean sacrificing what matters most—it means finding creative ways to honor all aspects of our lives.
Wisdom for Future Dream Chasers
Loots' advice to prospective students reflects the wisdom of someone who has successfully navigated both sides of the educational experience. His guidance isn't just practical—it's deeply encouraging for anyone considering their own bold leap of faith.
He says prospective students must be flexible during the Accelerated program, to find a mentor and ask other nurses a lot of questions.
“Ask questions along the way as they come up during the program,” he says. “Reach out to recruiters and hiring managers so you can get a good sense of what it’s like to work in a particular unit and explore jobs early on. There are always opportunities to shadow and learn in addition to our clinical experience.”
His story stands as powerful proof that when we follow our authentic calling—even when it means starting over—we don't just change careers, we discover new ways to make a meaningful difference.
