Back in fourth grade, my classmates and I had the very important job of keeping our school safe as part of the Safety Patrol. Basically, we were glorified crossing guards, but in our eyes, we were law enforcement elites. The biggest event of the year was the Safety Patrol Oakland Unified School District competition, where we got to prove just how seriously we took our job. And that’s where my dad, a military veteran, came in with a plan to turn a bunch of ten-year-olds into a marching, cadence-calling machine. Every morning, rain or shine, we practiced with my dad. He taught us how to march in step, call cadence, and most importantly, not trip over our own feet. And let me tell you, getting a group of fourth graders to move in sync is harder than herding cats. But my dad had patience (and a really loud voice), and soon enough, we started looking less like a wobbly parade and more like a real team. The first cadence he taught us was "I left my home," and we chanted it like we were heading into battle, not a school district competition. When competition day came, we strutted out there like mini drill sergeants, calling cadence with full confidence. We marched, we chanted, and for a moment, we really did feel like the most elite squad of fourth-grade safety patrollers ever assembled. And the best part? We won! We beat our rival school and got to take home a big, shiny trophy, which we paraded around like we had just won an Olympic gold medal. At the end of the competition, I had never seen my dad so proud. He was beaming, telling everyone how hard we had worked and how disciplined we had become. And while the competition eventually ended, that experience stuck with me. Even after joining the Army and hearing some truly ridiculous cadences (some of which I’m convinced were made up on the spot), "I left my home" is still my go-to. Now, as a Corporal in the U.S. Army, that cadence carries even more meaning. It reminds me of my dad, those early morning practices, and the fact that somehow, he managed to turn a bunch of kids into a disciplined (sort of) marching unit. And that’s a feat worthy of a medal in itself. I am grateful for him and that experience as it helped me become who I am today.

Through my experiences with service-related PTSD, I have learned a great deal about both myself and the world around me. I have come to understand the immense weight that trauma carries, not just for the individuals who experience it firsthand, but also for their loved ones who witness their struggles. Growing up with a father who serves both in the military and as a police officer, I have seen how PTSD can affect a person’s daily life, relationships, and mental well-being. Watching my dad struggle with the invisible wounds of his service has been incredibly difficult, and it has given me a deeper appreciation for the resilience and courage required to seek help. I joined the military when I was 17 years old, driven by a strong desire to serve my country and make a difference in the lives of others. As a combat medic in the U.S. Army, I have had the privilege of working closely with soldiers who battle PTSD. My involvement in the suicide prevention program has allowed me to support those who feel isolated and lost, encouraging them to seek the help they need. I have seen firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health in the military community, and I have made it my mission to break down these barriers by fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness. By actively engaging in conversations about mental health and providing resources, I hope to create a culture of support and healing among my fellow service members. It all starts with my home unit, but I hope to be able to expand to the greater military community. Beyond my work in the military, I have also had to support close friends returning from deployments in Kuwait and Syria. The transition back to civilian life is not always smooth, and many of them have struggled with reintegration, battling memories of their experiences overseas. Being there for them—listening, providing reassurance, and encouraging professional help—has reinforced my belief in the importance of community and understanding when it comes to PTSD recovery. I am currently working towards attending nursing school, to become a nurse who specializes in helping veterans struggling with PTSD. My experiences as a combat medic have shown me the critical need for compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by veterans. By becoming a nurse, I hope to provide not only medical care but also emotional and psychological support to those who have served. My long-term ambition is to bridge the gap between military and civilian healthcare, ensuring that veterans receive the quality care they deserve. Moving forward, I hope to use my experiences to help other veterans who are suffering from PTSD. My goal is to continue advocating for mental health awareness within the military and veteran communities, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. Whether through direct care as a nurse or through outreach programs that provide critical resources, I want to be a source of support for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. My journey has taught me that healing is not a solitary process—it is built on connection, understanding, and the willingness to seek help. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those who have served, just as I have been inspired by those who have helped me along the way.

My heritage as a Native Hawaiian has deeply influenced my values and goals, shaping my desire to serve my community through nursing and healthcare. Growing up on the island of Oahu, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in health outcomes among Native Hawaiians and the significant lack of Native Hawaiian healthcare workers. These experiences instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to address these inequalities and provide culturally competent care that reflects the values and traditions of my people. As a Native Hawaiian, the values of aloha, laulima, and mālama are deeply ingrained in my identity. These principles guide my approach to nursing, where I strive to treat each patient with dignity and empathy. I understand that health is not just a physical condition but a holistic state that encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This perspective, rooted in Native Hawaiian culture, influences my goal to bridge the gap between modern medical practices and traditional Hawaiian healing methods. By integrating these approaches, I aim to foster trust and improve health outcomes for Native Hawaiian patients. The shortage of Native Hawaiian healthcare workers in Oahu is a pressing concern that drives my ambition to become a nurse. Representation matters deeply in healthcare, as patients are more likely to feel understood and receive better care when treated by someone who shares their cultural background. I hope to be a familiar face and a source of comfort for Native Hawaiian patients who may otherwise feel alienated or misunderstood in clinical settings. Furthermore, I aim to mentor future generations of Native Hawaiian healthcare professionals, encouraging them to pursue careers in nursing and other medical fields. By doing so, I hope to build a stronger, more culturally competent healthcare workforce that better serves our diverse island community. Through my career in nursing, I aspire to contribute to my community by advocating for equitable healthcare policies and expanding access to care for underserved populations. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves high-quality healthcare. I am particularly passionate about community outreach programs that promote preventive care and health education. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, we can address health issues before they become chronic conditions. My long-term goal is to establish a community health center that prioritizes the needs of Native Hawaiians and other marginalized groups, offering services that are both accessible and culturally responsive. The mark I want to leave on my community is one of compassion, advocacy, and empowerment. I want to be remembered as someone who not only provided exceptional care but also worked tirelessly to uplift and protect the health of Native Hawaiians. My heritage has given me a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things, and I am committed to fostering a healthcare environment that honors this holistic worldview. By addressing health disparities and encouraging future Native Hawaiian healthcare leaders, I hope to create a legacy that reflects the values of aloha, laulima, and mālama for those who come after me.