• News |  
• Articles |  
• Journalism major fights fires between classes

Journalism major fights fires between classes

Zack Melton ‘25 didn’t always picture himself attending Auburn University—or in a firefighter’s uniform. Through the City of Auburn’s Student Firefighter Program and the support of the College of Liberal Arts, the journalism major from Franklin, Tennessee, managed both. While completing his degree, Melton balanced 24-hour shifts at the fire station with class projects, career goals and college life.

An Unlikely Path 

After spending two years at community college, Melton began exploring his next step. It was Auburn’s welcoming atmosphere and tight-knit community that made the biggest impression.

“I basically just fell in love with the campus and the school,” Melton explained. 

There was one major obstacle: the cost of out-of-state tuition. Melton’s mom, a longtime member of the Franklin Fire Department, encouraged him to consider Auburn’s Student Firefighter Program. She had seen firsthand how it could make Auburn a financial possibility for students willing to serve.

Open to full-time college students who meet physical fitness standards and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the program is designed to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. Benefits include paid training, step raises, furnished uniforms and dorm-style accommodations at the fire station, when available. Students who maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher qualify for tuition reimbursement. 

“At first, I always said I’d never be a firefighter,” Melton admitted. “My mom’s in the fire service, and I used to say, ‘I don’t want anything to do with what you do.’”

His dream of attending Auburn pushed him to reconsider. He applied to the program, passed the physical ability test and interview, and completed a 17-week recruit school that included EMR training and firefighter certifications. Soon, he was officially on shift and serving the city while earning his degree.

Around the Clock

Melton’s routine was anything but ordinary. He worked 24-hour shifts every third day, often heading straight from the fire station to the classroom and back again.

“There were a lot of nights where I wouldn’t sleep,” he said. “Getting adjusted to that schedule was really difficult. But in doing that, I’ve become a better person. I’ve learned a lot about managing life with work.”

The growth was both practical and deeply personal.

“I’ve learned a lot about how to be a man,” he reflected. “I lost my dad when I was eight years old. Joining the fire service and serving the community has really helped me grow and taught me how to be myself.”

He also found an unexpected second family in his shiftmates. From cheering him on at Big Man on Campus to laughing while he moonwalks across the station floor every chance he gets, their camaraderie defined his Auburn experience.

From Fire Engine to Film Set

Outside of the firehouse, Melton is chasing a different kind of dream. 

“My shiftmates give me a hard time about it sometimes,” he said, “but I really want to get into movies and television.”

After reading Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey’s memoir, he found inspiration in the actor’s unconventional path and philosophy. He is now signed with Opelika-based V Management and hopes to pursue commercial, photography and film work. At the same time, he’s working as a full-time career firefighter with the City of Auburn.

A Path to Purpose

Melton encourages students considering the Auburn Student Firefighter Program to simply start the conversation.

“At the very least, just look into it,” he said. “Talk to someone on shift. There’s literally someone there every day of the week who’s in the student program and can talk about their experience.”

For Melton, the value of the program goes far beyond financial aid or flexibility. 

“I’ve made amazing friends, amazing memories, and taken great trips as well. We get time off, so I’m still able to go do the things I want to do. But at the end of the day, my job is to serve the city, and the lessons you learn doing that are valuable.”

His final encouragement? 

“Just check it out. Talk to people and consider it. And if you’re interested in the slightest, apply. You don’t have to take the job, but applying puts your name in there and then you’ll meet people who are going through the same thing.”

Tags: Alumni Communication and Journalism