Tell us about your military service. What did you do? Where did you serve? What do you value the most about your military service?
In the Army, I served as a Field Artillery Officer; I led others, while testing my ability to remain mentally and physically prepared for the next mission. My Military service enabled me to travel and work with people from around the world, diversifying my perspectives, morals, and values, reflected in my work ethic and teamwork. I value my experience with the people I met, the obstacles I overcame, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth, which will enable me to be successful in the civilian sector.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
As a Bass Military Scholar, I will be a student leader, mentor, and veteran ambassador on Vanderbilt’s campus, leading diverse teams of students to motivate themselves and others, developing their strengths as students and future professionals, and work together to better the campus and community. I will encourage others with drive, compassion, and determination while upholding and sharing my values, honor, integrity, loyalty, selfless service, and professionalism. My hope is that through the Bass Military Scholars mentoring, we will create positive change within the United States, to better the lives of Americans.
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 enrolled in Vanderbilt’s Family Nurse Practitioner master’s program, and upon graduation I aspire to be a compassionate caregiver helping those in underserved communities, including those facing physical, mental, or emotional hardships. I want to educate patients and advocate for their individual concerns for comfort, safety, and quality of life. As a nurse and veteran, I have seen the impact healthcare can have on fellow soldiers, and it has made me passionate about improving the availability and quality of veteran healthcare within the VA. My long-term goal is to utilize my education and leadership skills to advocate for policy changes on behalf of veterans.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program is a tremendous opportunity for military veterans to help finance graduate studies, allowing us to lead and be mentors to Vanderbilt students. The Bass Family believes in making the world a better place, and they are doing so by investing in us. They believe in our ability to make change not only on campus and the Nashville community, but to make positive change throughout the US and world.