Tell us about your military service. What did you do? Where did you serve? What do you value the most about your military service?
As a Special Forces Medical Sergeant in 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), I deployed four times and worked across a wide spectrum of operations. I have trained and mentored armies of key allied nations, treated severe trauma patients in austere environments and conducted unconventional warfare. I most value my time spent working alongside my fellow “quiet professionals.” Their dedication, grit and tenacity continue to inspire me.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
I am very excited for the opportunity to mentor other students. My former teammates and leaders in the Army mentored me in countless ways and modeled practices like diligent planning, inclusivity and diversity, resilience, and professionalism. I am thankful for these experiences and hope to share these values and practices with my fellow students.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
I am studying to become a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and wish to help my fellow veterans in this capacity. My areas of interest are PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program appealed to me with both the service component and the idea of connecting veterans with other students. If you are a veteran who values high quality education, continued service, and community involvement, you should strongly consider applying for the Bass Military Scholars Program.