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 had the honor of serving as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy, aboard both a Mine Countermeasure Platform in San Diego, CA, and a Guided Missile Destroyer in Yokosuka, Japan. Operating prominently in the North and South American sectors of the Pacific, as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region, I engaged in homeland security operations, freedom of navigation initiatives, combat systems testing, and multifaceted national-level assignments. What I cherished most about my military service was the camaraderie forged with my fellow servicemembers, and the privilege to lead Sailors as we undertook operations over the horizon.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
Learn from anyone and everyone, as each person holds a lesson to share. I am enthusiastic about imparting the experiences I have acquired through military service, as we foster a community at Vanderbilt. I value nurturing meaningful relationships with my peers, ensuring they are cognizant of the care and support extended to them. This creates an environment where individuals can form cohesive teams, collectively achieving outcomes that far surpass what could be attained through isolated individual efforts.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
During my time at Vanderbilt, I will be pursuing an MBA with a specific emphasis on strategy and operations. By drawing upon my leadership background, I intend to refine both my technical and interpersonal business acumen during my academic journey. This preparation will equip me to adeptly guide and oversee organizations in tackling intricate challenges, with the aim of contributing to the betterment of society.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The inclination to serve does not diminish after transitioning from active service. The Bass Military Scholars Program provides a close-knit community of patriots dedicated to assisting others, setting Vanderbilt apart from other institutions. The transition from military service can prove to be challenging, yet countless individuals have traversed this path before you, and many more will follow suit. If you seek advice, do not hesitate to connect with a scholar who can guide you in the right direction.