From Tragedy to Transformation: How Military Training Equipped Me to Champion PTSD Awareness There are moments in life when the tools we’ve been given are the only things that keep us standing. For me, that moment came in the aftermath of a family suicide—a trauma that shook me to my core. In the chaos and grief that followed, it was my military training that became my lifeline. The discipline, teamwork, and leadership principles I learned while serving didn’t just prepare me for war; they prepared me to navigate one of the most personal and painful battles I would ever face. The military ingrains in us the value of collective strength. We are taught never to leave a teammate behind and to lean on one another in times of crisis. Applying that same mindset to my mental health was crucial. I refused to see my struggle as a solitary one. I reached out. I opened up. I connected with others navigating similar losses and became part of a growing community committed to destigmatizing PTSD and suicide-related grief. Leadership, a core tenet of military service, taught me to do more than survive—it taught me to lead through adversity. I began sharing my story, not out of a desire for sympathy, but with the intention of sparking change. I recognized that countless veterans and their families are still suffering in silence, paralyzed by shame, stigma, or lack of resources. I couldn’t accept that reality. I knew I had to be part of the solution. That sense of purpose led me to pursue a doctorate in Human Services. My academic path is rooted in a desire to transform how we understand, talk about, and treat PTSD. I want to develop trauma-informed programs that address not just the symptoms, but the systemic barriers that prevent healing. I believe in treating mental health with the same urgency and structure we bring to physical wounds on the battlefield. My ultimate goal is to launch a nonprofit program specifically for veterans and their families dealing with PTSD and suicide loss. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported—where pain can be processed, not buried. I envision a world where mental health is discussed openly in the military community, and where asking for help is seen as a courageous act of leadership. In many ways, I see this as alchemy—turning grief and trauma into advocacy and hope. My military training didn’t just teach me how to complete a mission—it taught me how to be the mission. And now, that mission is clear: to raise awareness, to fight stigma, and to ensure that no veteran or military family walks the path of PTSD alone. Winning this PTSD Awareness Scholarship would not only help fund my education, but also affirm the message I’ve dedicated my life to: that even in the darkest moments, healing is possible—and no one should have to heal alone.

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.