My name is Mallory Haynes Davis. I am a student Arizona State University, currently studying for my Bachelor’s in Business (Communications) with a minor in Organizational Leadership. When I was seventeen, I decided to join the United States Army. I swore into service three days after my eighteenth birthday and left for basic training two months after graduation. I initially joined as a Combat Medic Specialist, and was stationed at Walter Reed where I provided care for our nations wounded warriors, veterans, retirees, and their family members. Currently, I serve as an Army Career Counselor with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.   My husband is a disabled combat veteran who served in Iraq. We’re the parents of a two-year-old girl and are expecting our second child in February of 2024. I aspire to become a high school educator in North Carolina after I complete my degree. I intend to finish the rest of my contract in September of 2024 and transition from a military service member to a civilian.   I am studying for my business degree because of my genuine interest in the program offered at ASU’s business school, W.P Carey. Initially, I had wanted to pursue a career in law, but I realized I wanted to find a career in education after the service The North Carolina Public Education System has a critical need for Career and Technical Education programs. Once I finish my degree in business, I intend to become an educator in one of those subjects of critical need.   While I have access to generous higher education programs offered to veterans after service, I am applying for additional scholarships because I will not be working after the end of my contract. My husband will be the sole provider for our two children and me, so I can focus on going to school full-time without the stress of a full-time job. This will allow me to finish the remaining credits for my degree by the end of 2026 and enroll in teaching licensure and certification programs that I will need to become an educator. We have prepared to take the pay cut and have planned out our finances for the two-and-a-half to three-year gap in my employment. Still, managing the cost of a family of four, including two young children, will be a great challenge, with only one adult earning employment income.   I have given our nation selfless service through my military career over this last decade. Still, my calling of service is needed outside of what I do as a career counselor in the Army. With the nationwide teacher shortages, I hope to continue my service in public education. I believe can make a more significant impact at this stage in my life as a teacher, and hope my drive and passion will be seen through the successes and achievements of future students I will be honored to teach.