'I'd Still Be Wondering What Was Possible': Student Shares How USU Statewide Helped Build Future

MOAB, Utah — Rural campuses are not just convenient — they are essential. This was the message that Danelia Barajas, nursing student at Utah State University Moab, shared with select members of the Utah Legislature in the weeks leading up to the 2026 Utah Legislative Session.

During USU’s presentation at the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee meeting on Feb. 5, USU President Brad Mortensen presented information to the subcommittee about many of USU’s accomplishments and how the university meets the needs of Utah, including in rural areas across the state. As part of this presentation, Mortensen invited Barajas to share her unique story as a nursing student at USU Moab.

“Presenting to the committee was both nerve-wracking and incredibly meaningful,” Barajas said. “I felt honored to be trusted with the opportunity to share my story and represent students across rural campuses. It was empowering to know that my voice could help bring awareness to something that impacts so many people.”

In this meeting, Barajas shared with lawmakers how she initially gave up on her education because of barriers. While living in a rural area and taking university classes in Arizona, she struggled to connect with material in her online classes. The only class in which she found success was an in-person course that was two hours away.

While she did not lack motivation or ability, these access barriers proved mentally and physically unsustainable, and Barajas made the difficult decision to abandon her career goals.

Life changes would bring Barajas to Moab, where she started to hear about the nursing program at USU, and where she met faculty members who also work at the local hospital. Hearing nothing but positive things about the program — and receiving the promise of support every step of the way — she met with an advisor and in 2023, she enrolled. The experience was unlike anywhere she had attended school before.

“At USU Moab, students are not numbers,” she told the committee. “Professors know our names. Their doors are always open. When we struggle, they make time to sit down with us and explain the material again in a way that makes sense and remind us that we are capable. Even when we start to doubt ourselves, they are a phone call or text away. The level of connection and support is something that I had never experienced before, and it has made a difference.”

Barajas said in-person classes and local campuses made all the difference for her and for many of the other students she knows. Having access to nursing education, she added, not only has a direct impact on students but strengthens local communities.

“Many rural students face barriers such as distance, limited transportation, financial constraints or family responsibilities,” she said. “Statewide campuses help remove those barriers and provide an equitable opportunity for students to succeed. Without these programs, many students may not be able to continue their education at all. These campuses don’t just offer classes —they create pathways for students to build better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

For Barajas, one thing was clear. Had it not been for in-person classes in Moab, her life would be a lot different. She urged lawmakers to continue their support of rural campuses so that others like her could achieve their goals and not have stumbling blocks.

“If it weren’t for USU Moab and the availability of in-person classes, I would not be standing before you today,” she said in conclusion at the February meeting. “And I would still be wondering what might have been possible if accessible education had existed in a small rural community like mine.”

Utah State University’s Statewide Campuses create impact by bettering the lives of the people and places they serve. From career and technical certificates to doctorate degrees, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. With multiple locations across 85,000 square miles, USU can be the hometown university to anyone, no matter where they live. Learn more at statewide.usu.edu.