Finding Purpose After Pain: My Mission to Help Veterans Heal from PTSD PTSD has shaped nearly every chapter of my life—both during and after military service. The things I experienced while serving, including trauma and sexual assault, stayed with me long after I left the uniform behind. I also lost my brother, a fellow veteran, to suicide. For a long time, I carried that pain silently, convinced that I had to just “push through.” But PTSD doesn’t just go away—it seeps into your relationships, your work, your sleep, your ability to hope. It nearly took everything from me. What saved me was finding a new purpose—and deciding that I didn’t want to just survive anymore. I wanted to understand my trauma, take back control of my story, and use what I had lived through to help other veterans still fighting their silent battles. With the help of VA education benefits, I went back to school. I started with a Master’s in Human Services and am now in the final year of my Doctorate in Human Services. My focus is on research development, program evaluation, and grant writing—areas that might seem removed from direct care, but are essential to making real change in how we treat PTSD among veterans. I’ve learned that too many PTSD treatment programs are underfunded, outdated, or focused only on symptoms instead of true healing. Through my doctoral work, I’m researching and supporting holistic, trauma-informed programs that integrate mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual recovery. I’m passionate about building systems that reflect the real complexity of what veterans go through—and what they need to heal. One of the most meaningful experiences during my education was working with equine-assisted therapy and recreational therapy. I saw firsthand how movement, nature, and connection can help veterans feel safe again in their own bodies and lives. I now focus on finding ways to fund, improve, and expand these kinds of programs. Veterans deserve options that treat them like people, not just patients. I’m not the same person I was when I left the military. PTSD changed me—but so did healing. I’m stronger, more compassionate, and more determined than ever to make sure no veteran feels forgotten or hopeless. This scholarship means more than financial support; it’s an extension of a mission I believe in with my whole heart. I want to help change the system from the inside, combining lived experience with research and leadership. I hope to honor the legacy of Bryent Smothermon by continuing to fight for every veteran who’s still carrying invisible wounds. We all deserve a path to recovery, and I want to help build it.

Healing Through Purpose: My Advocacy for Mental Health in the Veteran Community Mental health is more than a cause I care about—it’s the foundation of my survival, my education, and my life’s work. As a military veteran who has overcome the challenges of PTSD, suicide loss, and military sexual trauma, mental health is deeply personal to me. Prioritizing my own mental health gave me the strength to return to school, and it now fuels my mission to help others heal. As a doctoral student in Human Services, I’ve centered my academic and professional journey around improving mental health outcomes for military veterans. I specialize in research development, program evaluation, and grant writing—behind-the-scenes tools that allow me to design, fund, and refine trauma recovery programs that address not just mental illness, but full-person healing. I believe mental health is not a standalone issue; it intersects with every aspect of life—emotional stability, physical well-being, and even the ability to reintegrate into civilian society after service. Mental health is important to me as a student because it allows me to show up fully—to think critically, engage compassionately, and pursue rigorous academic goals with purpose and passion. I understand firsthand that without mental health, education becomes an uphill battle. That’s why I am committed to modeling mental wellness in my academic life, prioritizing balance, emotional regulation, and intentional rest—while supporting classmates and peers who may be navigating their own silent struggles. Beyond the classroom, I advocate for mental health in my community through veteran support work and trauma-informed service initiatives. I’ve volunteered in equine therapy and recreational therapy programs that use movement, nature, and animal-assisted interventions to support veterans in healing from PTSD. These programs are not only powerful—they are joyful, reconnecting veterans with their sense of identity, community, and self-worth. Through my doctoral research, I work to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, securing grant funding and building evidence-based models to ensure that innovative, holistic approaches to mental health care are available to more veterans nationwide. I advocate through data, through storytelling, and through leadership—always pushing for systems that treat veterans with dignity and compassion. Mental health advocacy, to me, means fighting for access, visibility, and healing. It means recognizing that invisible wounds are just as real as visible ones—and that no one should feel alone in their pain. My academic path is rooted in this belief, and my future career is dedicated to it. As I continue my doctoral studies and transition into a professional leadership role in human services, I carry the voice of every veteran who has ever felt unseen. I advocate for them because I was once them. And today, I am not just surviving—I am building a future where healing is possible for everyone.

Choosing Healing: How Prioritizing My Well-Being Shaped My Life’s Purpose There was a time after my military service when survival felt like my only goal. I was struggling with the lingering effects of PTSD, grief, and trauma—carrying the invisible wounds that so many veterans bear. But everything began to shift the moment I made the conscious choice to prioritize my mental, emotional, and physical health. That decision didn’t just change the direction of my life—it gave me a new purpose. My healing journey began by embracing a full-spectrum approach to wellness. Therapy helped me confront and process the psychological trauma. Movement and mindfulness practices reconnected me with my body. Emotional healing came through community, spiritual reflection, and purpose-driven service. Prioritizing my well-being was not easy—but it taught me that recovery is possible, and that true healing requires addressing the whole person. That experience has deeply shaped my academic and professional path. I am now in the final year of my Doctorate in Human Services, where my work centers around developing, evaluating, and improving trauma recovery programs for military veterans. Through research, program design, and grant writing, I focus on building systems that integrate mental, emotional, and physical healing as a comprehensive pathway to post-traumatic growth. Veterans deserve more than symptom management. They deserve programs that support their full humanity and honor their resilience. My work now involves studying what actually helps veterans heal—what interventions work, how to measure outcomes that matter, and how to secure funding to scale those efforts. Making my own healing a priority not only saved my life—it gave me the insight, passion, and tools to help others find their way forward too. Whether I’m in the classroom, conducting research, or writing grants to support innovative care models, I carry the lessons of my own recovery into every space I serve. As I prepare for the future, I am committed to making sure no veteran is left behind in their pain. Prioritizing health—mental, emotional, and physical—is not a luxury. For many, it’s the key to reclaiming life after trauma. I’m honored to help lead that charge through both my personal story and my professional mission. Today, I work at the intersection of research development, program evaluation, and government and grant funding to improve trauma recovery programs for military veterans. My focus is not just on physical or mental health—it’s on designing and supporting holistic healing initiatives that recognize the spiritual, emotional, and cultural dimensions of recovery. I believe that healing is not one-size-fits-all, and I am committed to building systems that are compassionate, comprehensive, and innovative. What sets me apart in this work is that I don’t just understand trauma academically—I have lived it. I know what it feels like to be unseen in the system, to sit in silence with unbearable memories, and to struggle to find services that speak to the soul as much as they serve the body. These experiences give me a unique lens, not just as a professional, but as a survivor—one who is deeply invested in changing the way we approach healthcare for veterans.

From Battle Scars to Blueprints: How the Military Transformed My Purpose and Perspective Serving in the military changed the way I see everything—myself, my country, and what it truly means to serve. It gave me pride, purpose, and discipline. But it also exposed me to deep wounds: PTSD, sexual assault, and the tragic loss of my brother to suicide. These experiences broke me open—but ultimately, they also built the foundation for who I am today. After my military service, I struggled to find my place in the world. I returned home carrying invisible scars, and for a time, I felt completely lost. But with the support of the Department of Veterans Affairs, I began a new journey—not just of healing, but of becoming. I used my G.I. Bill and Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits to return to school, where I earned my master’s in Human Services. Now, I’m in the final year of my Doctorate in Human Services, specializing in program development, research, evaluation, and grant writing—tools I now use to transform how trauma recovery programs serve military veterans. The military taught me how to lead, how to endure, and how to stand up for others—even when standing feels impossible. Those lessons continue to guide me as I work behind the scenes to build better systems for veteran care. Through research and program evaluation, I help design more effective, compassionate, and holistic trauma recovery programs that don’t just treat symptoms, but promote real healing—spiritual, emotional, and physical. I no longer view myself as someone broken by the military—I now see myself as someone rebuilt by it. And I no longer see my country through a lens of idealism or criticism alone—I see its complexity, its flaws, and its capacity to grow. Most importantly, I see the power of lived experience to change systems and save lives. This scholarship would allow me to continue the work I was truly meant to do: helping those who served alongside me recover, rebuild, and find purpose after trauma. I may not wear the uniform anymore, but I am still serving—this time as a healer, advocate, and systems-changer. And I believe that is one of the most powerful ways I can continue to serve my country. Today, I work at the intersection of research development, program evaluation, and government and grant funding to improve trauma recovery programs for military veterans. My focus is not just on physical or mental health—it’s on designing and supporting holistic healing initiatives that recognize the spiritual, emotional, and cultural dimensions of recovery. I believe that healing is not one-size-fits-all, and I am committed to building systems that are compassionate, comprehensive, and innovative. What sets me apart in this work is that I don’t just understand trauma academically—I have lived it. I know what it feels like to be unseen in the system, to sit in silence with unbearable memories, and to struggle to find services that speak to the soul as much as they serve the body. These experiences give me a unique lens, not just as a professional, but as a survivor—one who is deeply invested in changing the way we approach healthcare for veterans.

From Survival to Service: How My Challenges as a Veteran Shaped My Calling in Healthcare My journey into the field of healthcare was born not from ease, but from endurance. As a military veteran, I have faced some of life’s darkest battles—surviving PTSD, overcoming the devastation of suicide loss, and healing from the trauma of military sexual assault. These personal challenges nearly silenced my future. But instead of allowing them to define me, I chose to rise—committed to using my pain as a path to healing for others. After leaving the military, I felt broken and directionless. The invisible wounds I carried were heavy, and for a time, I believed they might defeat me. But with the support of the VA’s education benefits and a deep internal desire to reclaim my purpose, I returned to school. I pursued a career in Health and Human Services, a field that allowed me to combine my lived experience with academic and professional training to create real change for other veterans like me. Today, I work at the intersection of research development, program evaluation, and government and grant funding to improve trauma recovery programs for military veterans. My focus is not just on physical or mental health—it’s on designing and supporting holistic healing initiatives that recognize the spiritual, emotional, and cultural dimensions of recovery. I believe that healing is not one-size-fits-all, and I am committed to building systems that are compassionate, comprehensive, and innovative. What sets me apart in this work is that I don’t just understand trauma academically—I have lived it. I know what it feels like to be unseen in the system, to sit in silence with unbearable memories, and to struggle to find services that speak to the soul as much as they serve the body. These experiences give me a unique lens, not just as a professional, but as a survivor—one who is deeply invested in changing the way we approach healthcare for veterans. My mission is clear: to be a voice for the voiceless, to reform the programs that have failed so many, and to ensure that no veteran has to walk the healing journey alone. I may not work in a hospital, but the work I do behind the scenes—securing funding, designing trauma-informed programs, and advocating for better systems—saves lives all the same. In transforming my own pain into purpose, I have found not only healing—but a calling. And I intend to spend the rest of my life helping others do the same.

Living with a chronic medical condition changes the way you navigate the world—not just physically, but emotionally and professionally. For me, it redefined my identity, career path, and ultimately, my purpose. Although I choose to keep the specific nature of my diagnosis private, I can share that it interrupted a career I once thought I would have for life, leaving me to confront a profound sense of loss and uncertainty. This experience forced me to slow down, reevaluate my goals, and question the contributions I was meant to make in this life. Rather than allowing the condition to limit me, I embraced it as a catalyst for transformation. What once felt like an ending became the beginning of a journey more aligned with who I am and what I truly value—helping others heal and reclaim their power. I found my way into the field of human services, where I now dedicate my work to supporting individuals living with trauma, stress injuries, and disabilities, especially those stemming from military service. What inspires me to keep going—especially on difficult days—is the belief that my story can help someone else feel seen, validated, and hopeful. I understand firsthand how isolating it can be to struggle with something invisible. This knowledge fuels my determination to build programs that provide real, sustainable support for others who are walking a similar path. Currently, I’m completing a doctorate in Human Services, which has equipped me with the tools to transform my lived experiences into structured, impactful service. Through this training, I have gained skills in program design, grant writing, and nonprofit financial management. These skills are not just academic achievements; they are the keys to unlocking meaningful change. My goal is to develop and implement treatment programs that address post-traumatic stress, particularly for veterans, by securing government contracts and funding to bring these services to life. My condition no longer defines what I can’t do; it defines what I must do. It is the driving force behind my mission to empower others, advocate for accessible and compassionate care, and build systems that support healing and dignity. I didn’t choose the challenges I’ve faced, but I have chosen to use them. In doing so, I’ve found my purpose. The scholarship would enable me to fund the final year of my doctorate, as my military benefits are set to expire in the coming months. Scholarship funds would support the research study component of my degree, where I am creating a program evaluation to implement new therapy for post-traumatic stress.

As a Doctoral student at Capella University, I am pursuing my passion for serving disabled veterans and their families through social service program design and research. As a military veteran and Doctorate student, my educational experience has been a journey of overcoming challenges and barriers, especially as a disabled Marine Corps veteran with PTSD. After the loss of my brother due to suicide in 2014 and being honorably discharged from the military, I felt lost. With the help of the VA, I sought a career path that would allow me to use my experiences to help others who have endured similar challenges. This is where the pursuit of my master's degree in human services began. After graduating with my MS in Human Services in 2022, I felt led to pursue the Doctor of Human Services program. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my year in the program, and my challenges as a non-traditional disabled veteran student were a blessing in disguise and set me up for success! The skills I learned as a Marine I still hold close to this day include honor, courage, commitment, attention to detail, and serving a purpose bigger than ourselves. Being a disabled military veteran, it was a challenge at times to integrate back into the civilian world. The challenges I faced have pushed me to pursue the purpose and calling of helping others who have been through trauma and are impacted by disabilities. I am also highly engaged with community services and volunteering as I have done advocacy work for suicide prevention and work with disabled veterans and children with disabilities at a 501c3 therapy organization called Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding. My future goals include working to help change the way that trauma, disabilities, and PTSD are treated in our military veteran population by enhancing the quality of care through social service program design and research. I have over six years of experience in the human services field, with a master's degree in health and human services from Capella University and a certificate in health and wellness from Cornell University. I also hold certifications in small business management from Loyola University and nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University. I am also a certified American Council on Exercise personal trainer and nutrition coach. The transformative effect I witnessed on my healing journey fueled this passion for health and wellness. I am passionate about bringing together physical, mental, and spiritual wellness as a catalyst for healing and improving the quality of life of those impacted by trauma and disabilities. My background as a Marine Corps veteran and an unmanned aerial vehicle operator gives me a unique perspective and insight into the needs and challenges of the veteran community. I piloted the RQ-7B "Shadow" drone for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, earning an associate's degree in unmanned aviation and an FAA private pilot's license. I also performed various administrative duties, such as flight jacket management and documenting flight hours and certifications for pilots in my unit. I am proud of my honorable service and grateful for the skills and values I acquired as a Marine. This funding will allow me to pay for the portion of tuition I am currently paying out of pocket, as the VA education benefits I have earned pay for 70% of my tuition. Upon completion of my Doctorate in Human Services, I will be equipped to give back to the community and make an impact on a national level through grant writing, program development, scientific research, program evaluation, advocacy, activism, and lobbying for political change, funding allocation, and human rights.

As a military veteran and full time Doctorate student, my educational experience has been far from traditional! It has been a journey of overcoming challenges and barriers, especially as a disabled Marine Corps veteran with PTSD. After the loss of my brother due to suicide in 2014 and being honorably discharged from the military, I felt lost. With the help of the VA, I sought out to seek a career path that would bring healing to others who have went through similar challenges. This is where the pursuit of my masters degree in human services began. I am so passionate about helping others that I am now a year into my doctor of human services program. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, the challenges faced as a non-traditional student actually set me up for success! The skills I learned as a marine I still hold close to this day such as honor, courage, commitment, attention to detail, and serving a purpose bigger than ourselves. Being a disabled military veteran, it was a challenge at times to integrate back into the civilian world, especially as an adult learner. The challenges I faced have pushed me to pursue the purpose and calling of helping others who have been through trauma. I am also extremely engaged with community services and volunteering as I have done advocacy work for suicide prevention and work with disabled veterans and children with disabilities at therapy organization called Bravehearts therapeutic riding. My future goals include working to help change the way that trauma and PTSD is treated in our military veteran population by enhancing the quality of care through social service program design and research. As a Doctoral student at Capella University, I am pursuing my passion for serving veterans and their families through social service program design and research. I have over six years of experience in the human services field, with a master's degree in health and human services from Capella University and a certificate in health and wellness from Cornell University. I also hold certifications in small business management from Loyola University and in nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University. I am also an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. My background as a Marine Corps veteran and an unmanned aerial vehicle operator gives me a unique perspective and insight into the needs and challenges of the veteran community. I piloted the RQ-7B "Shadow" drone for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, earning an associate's degree in unmanned aviation and an FAA private pilot's license. I also performed various administrative duties, such as flight jacket management and documenting flight hours and certifications for pilots in my unit. I am proud of my honorable service and grateful for the skills and values I acquired as a Marine.

As a military veteran and full time Doctorate student, my educational experience has been far from traditional! It has been a journey of overcoming challenges and barriers, especially as a disabled Marine Corps veteran with PTSD. After the loss of my brother due to suicide in 2014 and being honorably discharged from the military, I felt lost. With the help of the VA, I sought out to seek a career path that would bring healing to others who have went through similar challenges. This is where the pursuit of my masters degree in human services began. I am so passionate about helping others that I am now a year into my doctor of human services program. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, the challenges faced as a non-traditional student actually set me up for success! The skills I learned as a marine I still hold close to this day such as honor, courage, commitment, attention to detail, and serving a purpose bigger than ourselves. Being a disabled military veteran, it was a challenge at times to integrate back into the civilian world, especially as an adult learner. The challenges I faced have pushed me to pursue the purpose and calling of helping others who have been through trauma. I am also extremely engaged with community services and volunteering as I have done advocacy work for suicide prevention and work with disabled veterans and children with disabilities at therapy organization called Bravehearts therapeutic riding. My future goals include working to help change the way that trauma and PTSD is treated in our military veteran population by enhancing the quality of care through social service program design and research. As a Doctoral student at Capella University, I am pursuing my passion for serving veterans and their families through social service program design and research. I have over six years of experience in the human services field, with a master's degree in health and human services from Capella University and a certificate in health and wellness from Cornell University. I also hold certifications in small business management from Loyola University and in nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University. I am also an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. My background as a Marine Corps veteran and an unmanned aerial vehicle operator gives me a unique perspective and insight into the needs and challenges of the veteran community. I piloted the RQ-7B "Shadow" drone for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, earning an associate's degree in unmanned aviation and an FAA private pilot's license. I also performed various administrative duties, such as flight jacket management and documenting flight hours and certifications for pilots in my unit. I am proud of my honorable service and grateful for the skills and values I acquired as a Marine.

As a military veteran and full time Doctorate student, my educational experience has been far from traditional! It has been a journey of overcoming challenges and barriers, especially as a disabled Marine Corps veteran with PTSD. After the loss of my brother due to suicide in 2014 and being honorably discharged from the military, I felt lost. With the help of the VA, I sought out to seek a career path that would bring healing to others who have went through similar challenges. This is where the pursuit of my masters degree in human services began. I am so passionate about helping others that I am now a year into my doctor of human services program. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, the challenges faced as a non-traditional student actually set me up for success! The skills I learned as a marine I still hold close to this day such as honor, courage, commitment, attention to detail, and serving a purpose bigger than ourselves. Being a disabled military veteran, it was a challenge at times to integrate back into the civilian world, especially as an adult learner. The challenges I faced have pushed me to pursue the purpose and calling of helping others who have been through trauma. I am also extremely engaged with community services and volunteering as I have done advocacy work for suicide prevention and work with disabled veterans and children with disabilities at therapy organization called Bravehearts therapeutic riding. My future goals include working to help change the way that trauma and PTSD is treated in our military veteran population by enhancing the quality of care through social service program design and research. As a Doctoral student at Capella University, I am pursuing my passion for serving veterans and their families through social service program design and research. I have over six years of experience in the human services field, with a master's degree in health and human services from Capella University and a certificate in health and wellness from Cornell University. I also hold certifications in small business management from Loyola University and in nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University. I am also an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. My background as a Marine Corps veteran and an unmanned aerial vehicle operator gives me a unique perspective and insight into the needs and challenges of the veteran community. I piloted the RQ-7B "Shadow" drone for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, earning an associate's degree in unmanned aviation and an FAA private pilot's license. I also performed various administrative duties, such as flight jacket management and documenting flight hours and certifications for pilots in my unit. I am proud of my honorable service and grateful for the skills and values I acquired as a Marine.

As a military veteran and full time Doctorate student, my educational experience has been far from traditional! It has been a journey of overcoming challenges and barriers, especially as a disabled Marine Corps veteran with PTSD. After the loss of my brother due to suicide in 2014 and being honorably discharged from the military, I felt lost. With the help of the VA, I sought out to seek a career path that would bring healing to others who have went through similar challenges. This is where the pursuit of my masters degree in human services began. I am so passionate about helping others that I am now a year into my doctor of human services program. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, the challenges faced as a non-traditional student actually set me up for success! The skills I learned as a marine I still hold close to this day such as honor, courage, commitment, attention to detail, and serving a purpose bigger than ourselves. Being a disabled military veteran, it was a challenge at times to integrate back into the civilian world, especially as an adult learner. The challenges I faced have pushed me to pursue the purpose and calling of helping others who have been through trauma. I am also extremely engaged with community services and volunteering as I have done advocacy work for suicide prevention and work with disabled veterans and children with disabilities at therapy organization called Bravehearts therapeutic riding. My future goals include working to help change the way that trauma and PTSD is treated in our military veteran population by enhancing the quality of care through social service program design and research. As a Doctoral student at Capella University, I am pursuing my passion for serving veterans and their families through social service program design and research. I have over six years of experience in the human services field, with a master's degree in health and human services from Capella University and a certificate in health and wellness from Cornell University. I also hold certifications in small business management from Loyola University and in nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University. I am also an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. My background as a Marine Corps veteran and an unmanned aerial vehicle operator gives me a unique perspective and insight into the needs and challenges of the veteran community. I piloted the RQ-7B "Shadow" drone for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, earning an associate's degree in unmanned aviation and an FAA private pilot's license. I also performed various administrative duties, such as flight jacket management and documenting flight hours and certifications for pilots in my unit. I am proud of my honorable service and grateful for the skills and values I acquired as a Marine.

As a military veteran and full time Doctorate student, my educational experience has been far from traditional! It has been a journey of overcoming challenges and barriers, especially as a disabled Marine Corps veteran with PTSD. After the loss of my brother due to suicide in 2014 and being honorably discharged from the military, I felt lost. With the help of the VA, I sought out to seek a career path that would bring healing to others who have went through similar challenges. This is where the pursuit of my masters degree in human services began. I am so passionate about helping others that I am now a year into my doctor of human services program. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, the challenges faced as a non-traditional student actually set me up for success! The skills I learned as a marine I still hold close to this day such as honor, courage, commitment, attention to detail, and serving a purpose bigger than ourselves. Being a disabled military veteran, it was a challenge at times to integrate back into the civilian world, especially as an adult learner. The challenges I faced have pushed me to pursue the purpose and calling of helping others who have been through trauma. I am also extremely engaged with community services and volunteering as I have done advocacy work for suicide prevention and work with disabled veterans and children with disabilities at therapy organization called Bravehearts therapeutic riding. My future goals include working to help change the way that trauma and PTSD is treated in our military veteran population by enhancing the quality of care through social service program design and research. As a Doctoral student at Capella University, I am pursuing my passion for serving veterans and their families through social service program design and research. I have over six years of experience in the human services field, with a master's degree in health and human services from Capella University and a certificate in health and wellness from Cornell University. I also hold certifications in small business management from Loyola University and in nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University. I am also an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. My background as a Marine Corps veteran and an unmanned aerial vehicle operator gives me a unique perspective and insight into the needs and challenges of the veteran community. I piloted the RQ-7B "Shadow" drone for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, earning an associate's degree in unmanned aviation and an FAA private pilot's license. I also performed various administrative duties, such as flight jacket management and documenting flight hours and certifications for pilots in my unit. I am proud of my honorable service and grateful for the skills and values I acquired as a Marine.

As a military veteran and full time Doctorate student, my educational experience has been far from traditional! It has been a journey of overcoming challenges and barriers, especially as a disabled Marine Corps veteran with PTSD. After the loss of my brother due to suicide in 2014 and being honorably discharged from the military, I felt lost. With the help of the VA, I sought out to seek a career path that would bring healing to others who have went through similar challenges. This is where the pursuit of my masters degree in human services began. I am so passionate about helping others that I am now a year into my doctor of human services program. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, the challenges faced as a non-traditional student actually set me up for success! The skills I learned as a marine I still hold close to this day such as honor, courage, commitment, attention to detail, and serving a purpose bigger than ourselves. Being a disabled military veteran, it was a challenge at times to integrate back into the civilian world, especially as an adult learner. The challenges I faced have pushed me to pursue the purpose and calling of helping others who have been through trauma. I am also extremely engaged with community services and volunteering as I have done advocacy work for suicide prevention and work with disabled veterans and children with disabilities at therapy organization called Bravehearts therapeutic riding. My future goals include working to help change the way that trauma and PTSD is treated in our military veteran population by enhancing the quality of care through social service program design and research. As a Doctoral student at Capella University, I am pursuing my passion for serving veterans and their families through social service program design and research. I have over six years of experience in the human services field, with a master's degree in health and human services from Capella University and a certificate in health and wellness from Cornell University. I also hold certifications in small business management from Loyola University and in nonprofit management from Northern Illinois University. I am also an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. My background as a Marine Corps veteran and an unmanned aerial vehicle operator gives me a unique perspective and insight into the needs and challenges of the veteran community. I piloted the RQ-7B "Shadow" drone for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, earning an associate's degree in unmanned aviation and an FAA private pilot's license. I also performed various administrative duties, such as flight jacket management and documenting flight hours and certifications for pilots in my unit. I am proud of my honorable service and grateful for the skills and values I acquired as a Marine.