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Dana Cauldwell

705

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I'll be the first to say that I am not perfect by any means, and I may not even be the most deserving candidate in the world. What I can tell you is that I have big dreams. I'm currently half way across the country from my home town because my husband joined the Air Force and well, the military doesn't wait. It's been a battle being so alone and still continuing my education, but I have a drive and a passion for what I want to do. I love the sacrifice people make for the military, I even want to do it myself after school, but it's not a glamorous one. We live in a country where you need an education, but it's very difficult to afford one. You probably already know that story... If I were just given the chance of some financial help for college, my dreams get to come true. It's as simple as that, and I would be more than appreciative. I wish everyone well. Thank you!

Education

Southern New Hampshire University- Online

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Associate's degree program
2019 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Marketing and Advertising

    • Dream career goals:

      Social Media Marketing Manager

    • Personal Banker

      Simmons Bank
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Teller Supervisor

      Centennial Bank
      2019 – 20201 year

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Nonie Weikum Memorial Scholarship
    Winner
    I got married to the love of my life in 2021. The date was January 3rd and I will cherish that day forever. My husband has always had the goal to be in the Air Force just like his father, and I knew this day was coming but I had no idea the challenges it would bring me. He went off to basic training that April. I would be foolish to say that it was hard being a new wife and him almost immediately leaving knowing what I know now. He returned home in August of that year and the life I had known before was about to completely change. We packed up the moving truck, stuffed our car full and headed halfway across the country to our new home. I'd never experienced life like this before. He's what people call a "military brat", so he had seen and lived this life before. I on the other hand, had no idea what it was like packing up everything and leaving the only home I'd ever known. We're in Virginia now, and it's so beautiful. My favorite part about this place is the ocean and watching the sunsets above the water. I've never even lived this close to water like this, I'm from Arkansas where the only water we know is man-made lakes. The skies are certainly are pretty here, but boy are they lonely. The first piece of advise I received when friends and family back home found out about our new adventure was "Be careful around those military wives, they sure are feisty!" Sure, that may be true but is that the advise that another military wife needs to hear? Or they warn you about deployment, which I'm sure is probably the most gut-wrenching experience in the world but we haven't had to go through that just yet. What they don't warn you about is the pain that you feel no matter what. I've transitioned into my new life here, and I've tried to adapt in every way that I can. I'm trying to make friends which almost seems impossible right now, but I'm hoping the time will come. The pain that I'm feeling stems from the loneliness. I have a great support system within my husband, he loves me and holds me when times get rough. Although, sometimes one person can't be everything for you. I often find myself longing for a friend, or my mom and dad, comfort from home that would make me feel just a little bit better. In this life though, you are both forced to do it on your own. You have to hold each other and hope that the storm passes soon because if you do 20 years, this pain just might take up half of your life. Don't get me wrong, this experience has been amazing so far and I can't wait for all the memories we will make in countless new places. This experience has even encouraged me to commission as an officer once I complete my degree. Although, it doesn't mean that it isn't one of the hardest experiences in the world, because it is. But I'll make it through. I love this life and I love my husband, and this is what we both wanted for our future. I just have to take it day by day, and know that there are many other military wives around the world feeling the same loneliness that I do.