For Collin Halford, the path to higher education wasn't linear, but it became purposeful.
For Collin Halford, the path to higher education wasn't linear, but it became purposeful. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in college because it felt like the expected next step. But without a clear reason to be in college, he struggled to stay engaged.
"I went to college just because I thought that was what you're supposed to do," Halford said. "I had no purpose, and I flunked out."
It wasn't until he entered the fire service that something clicked. "Since day one of EMT school, I knew this was something that would hold my attention," he said. That sense of purpose led him back to school, this time with a clear goal: to grow in his career and live up to his potential.
Choosing Utah Valley University's paramedic program was a decision shaped by both practicality and trust. After speaking with colleagues who had completed the program, Halford saw firsthand the level of preparation they brought into the field.
"They came out ready to go," he said. "Their leadership skills were already starting to be polished."
Just as important, UVU's structure allowed him to continue working while attending school. "They work around my schedule, and I really love that," he shared. "We spend so much time in the labs. I feel like I'm actually learning something."
For Halford, the experience wasn't just about completing coursework; it was also about gaining skills he could immediately apply. Now, he sees education as a key part of both his professional and personal growth.
"It's your responsibility to live up to your full potential," he said.
Halford’s time at UVU strengthened his confidence, sharpened his abilities in the field, and opened doors for the future. One of the biggest surprises, he said, was realizing how much closer he was to a degree than he had thought.
"I didn't know it at the time, but I'll be walking out of here with my associate degree," he said. "That's a huge thing for somebody who's been in school as long as I have."
For Halford, returning to school wasn't just about earning a credential; it was about building a life with intention. In addition to earning his paramedic certification, that progress has been a meaningful milestone — and it’s helped him provide for his growing family.
