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 served as a Cable Installer and Maintainer in 518th TIN Co, stationed at Fort Gorden, Georgia. With 518th TIN Co, I was deployed as the company logistics manager in Afghanistan. An aspect I value from my military experience is the countless opportunities it gave me for self-development. The U.S. Army taught me to be my best self and that any challenges that come my way can be overcome with perseverance. My military experience is something I will always carry with me, and I am eager to pass down my knowledge in the hopes that others will be inspired to put their best self forward.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
As a mentor, I look forward to sharing my experiences with students at Vanderbilt. I believe my experiences in the military can aid with any challenges or issues they may face in their education and personal lives. More importantly, I hope to be a support system not only for problems but for their triumphs as well. I would like to instill value in students to treat people with respect because it allows us to appreciate the best in others and their contributions.
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 pursue an M.Ed. with a focus on Higher Education Administration at Peabody College. I understand how navigating the educational system can be confusing, and I plan to become an advocate for students in higher education, where I believe that every student should be provided with inclusive and equitable learning experiences. The Higher Education Administration program will give me the tools to create new strategies and programs to ensure that students will be able to succeed in school and, after graduating, succeed in their personal and professional lives.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
I would like to tell other veterans that the Bass Military Scholars Program is another way to continue their passion for serving. It will allow you to continue being a leader, teaching you that your service does not have to end just because you are no longer in the military. The Bass Military Program is committed to ensuring veterans have all the resources to be successful after graduating from Vanderbilt University. I highly recommend applying if you are an individual who wants to be part of another empowering organization.