Marine-Turned-Author Finds His Voice at Mount Mercy

After five years on the road as a truck driver and a period of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Nathan Helm ’28 didn’t expect to find himself at Mount Mercy University studying music education. 

Nathan’s path has taken him across nearly every state in the country—he’s lived in Utah, Missouri, Texas, Idaho, Iowa, California, Hawaii, and North Carolina, where he was stationed during his military service. Yet, it was a familiar face from Iowa that set him on a new course. 

His decision to enroll at Mount Mercy began with a reconnection with longtime mentor Kent Keating (former Mount Mercy choir director), whom Nathan has known since high school. That meeting reignited his love for music and creativity—and opened the door to a new beginning. 

“I knew both Kent and Gerry Kreitzer, DMA, so it was a personal connection,” Nathan said. “That’s why I came to Mount Mercy.” 

While Nathan explored other schools, Mount Mercy’s close-knit community and hands-on faculty ultimately won him over—hallmarks of the university’s music education program. 

Returning to college after nearly a decade away wasn’t easy. Between coursework, rehearsals, and daily life, the transition was challenging. 

“It was a little overwhelming at first, but the experience has been really good,” he said, noting support from faculty members like Jack Frank, head of the music department, and private vocal instructor Stephanie Michalicek helped him regain his rhythm. 

Bringing creativity to life

When he’s not rehearsing with Mount Mercy’s choir or band, Nathan is immersed in his own creative world, as the author of an anime-inspired fantasy saga called Kingdom Society. The series, which will span six parts, is also being adapted into an audiobook narrated by Nathan himself, with part one already complete.  

“I’ve always been creative,” he said. “When I started trucking, I got into listening to audiobooks and thought, 'why not narrate my own?' That got me back into writing, and I just fell in love with the process all over again.” 

He’s currently expanding the second book in the series—doubling its length to deepen character arcs and enrich the story’s world-building. 

Nathan’s creative pursuits don’t stop there. He’s also the co-host of The War of the Nerds podcast, where he and fellow indie authors dive into conversations about writing, film, gaming, and storytelling. 

Balancing schoolwork and passions 

Taking on multiple ventures in addition to pursuing his bachelor’s degree comes from a strong work ethic and leadership style shaped by Nathan’s time in the military.  

“The Marine Corps taught me about integrity and teamwork,” he noted, providing the foundation to be a multifaceted creative.  

Balancing his roles as veteran, author, voice actor, podcast host, and music education major, Nathan exemplifies the success that non-traditional students can achieve at Mount Mercy.  

Nathan says he hopes to become a high school choir teacher after graduation, continuing to share his passion for creativity with the next generation. He wants to help other students find their voice.  

“Whether it’s music, writing, or voice acting, my advice is simple,” he said. “Just start. Don’t let fear stop you.” 

Nathan welcomes anyone curious about his creative projects or his Mount Mercy journey to reach out to him at nsullivanhelm4438@mtmercy.edu.