Tell us about your military service. What did you do? Where did you serve? What do you value the most about your military service?
I was primarily stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during my 6 ½ years serving as a Navy SEAL. Throughout my time, I completed a nine-month medic course and deployed twice. I was fortunate to serve with great teammates and learn resiliency, leadership, and preparation on a daily basis.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
During my time at Vanderbilt, I will strive to emulate the mentors I had during my military career. I have seen first-hand that impactful mentors have a genuine desire for others to succeed and empower them to achieve. I hope to share the values of goal setting, hard work, and a passion for constant self-improvement.
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 will graduate with a medical degree in 2023, but I do not currently have a desired specialty to pursue in residency. Throughout my medical career, I will strive to positively impact my patient population through a commitment to service while maintaining support for the military/veteran community.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program provides a supportive community at a top-tier learning institution that empowers veterans to share their experiences in order to cultivate meaningful impact across Vanderbilt and Nashville at large.