Uber partner earns his ASU health care degree

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2022 graduates.

In his 15 years working as a care tech at the Nebraska Medical Center, Zachary Schweiss came to understand that patients and staff need an advocate looking out for them. It was at that point that Schweiss, a 45-year-old male living in Phoenix, also decided he wanted to be that advocate. He knew a health care degree could help him reach his professional goals, but the cost was prohibitive at the time.

Then, while working part time as an Uber driver, he received an email from the company about their partnership with Arizona State University, which provides qualifying drivers and eligible family members full tuition coverage through ASU Online.

“For the longest time, I had wanted to go back to school and get a degree in health care,” Schweiss said. “I just couldn't afford it. I jumped on this opportunity and here we are.” Schweiss is now graduating from ASU this spring with an online Bachelor of Science in health care coordination.

His advice for other Uber drivers thinking about joining the program: "Do it!" 

“It's nice that Uber rewards you for working for them,” Schweiss said. “This program is great; take advantage of the opportunity for a paid education!”

He shared more about his college experience with us below. 

Question: What accomplishment are you most proud of as an ASU Online student?

Answer: My most proud accomplishment is being able to get through the program with everything going on in the world the last few years. It was tough at times with COVID making it hard, but we all did it!

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: All of them. My adviser, Katrina, was probably the most influential person in my time here. She was supportive and positive and checked on me frequently during my time at ASU. She really cares about the futures of students. 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: The best advice I can give is don’t let any setbacks or hard times stop you from chasing your dreams; go after them. And don’t do it for money; do it for the passion you have for it. This will make your career not just a job for you.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I’m not quite sure about my post-graduation plans yet. I’m still thinking about where my heart is. 

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A:  I would do what I could to make people believe in one another again. To put aside our anger and division and help people to accept each other for all our differences and help this world see what we can accomplish working together.

By Chad Hays, senior marketing content specialist, EdPlus at Arizona State University