A Mission of Care: Gul Safi’s Global Journey to Nursing Excellence at FSU
Gul Bahar Safi's journey to the Fayetteville State University commencement stage is anything but typical. It spans continents, languages, military service, and a relentless pursuit of a calling in healthcare.
Originally from Afghanistan, Safi ranked among the top 1% of nearly 150,000 candidates selected to attend medical school—an esteemed honor in his home country, where education is free but highly competitive. Graduating from medical school in 2007 stands as one of his proudest accomplishments. He passed the medical board licensing exams but never got the chance to begin practicing medicine.
However, Safi's path took a turn following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Once the U.S. Army troops had boots on the ground in Afghanistan, Safi was one of the first linguists recruited to join the U.S. Army. From 2001 to 2012, he served as a linguist, utilizing his remarkable ability to speak six languages and to bridge critical communication gaps. In 2012, the U.S. Army asked him to relocate to the United States for a new assignment. He arrived in the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa and continued his linguistic career at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, where he instructed Special Operations teams in three languages until 2024.
Despite his prior medical training, Safi never lost sight of his passion for the healthcare field. He soon discovered that practicing medicine in the U.S. would require extensive recertification—a decade-long journey that was incompatible with his responsibilities as a husband and father of six.
When he learned about Fayetteville State University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, he found the perfect opportunity. The ABSN track is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing and wish to pursue a career as a nurse. This hybrid, accelerated curriculum reduces the time required to earn a degree, combining high-quality clinical experiences with both online and in-person classroom learning. From his first day on campus, Safi felt unwavering support from the university community, including his instructors and the department dean.
Recently, Safi’s commitment to healthcare was recognized with a $500 scholarship from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal during their annual Health Care Heroes event. Health Care Heroes celebrates individuals and organizations significantly enhancing the quality of healthcare within the Fayetteville community. This is an honor that is most fitting for Safi, whose journey exemplifies dedication and perseverance.
"If you want something, go for it," Safi advises future students. "It doesn't matter how many kids you have or how hard your life is. Just go for it."
Graduating as part of the Class of 2025, Safi plans to start working immediately while preparing for his nursing board exams. Ultimately, he hopes to achieve a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). His inspiring journey highlights the transformative impact that Fayetteville State University can have on students' lives—a legacy he aspires to share with his daughter, who has recently applied to follow in his footsteps as a Bronco.