After retiring from the military earlier this year, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that meant more than just a paycheck. Though I originally planned to continue working in the logistics field, where I have 17 years of experience, my heart kept pulling me in a different direction—back to healthcare, back to helping people heal. I began my military career as a combat medic and enlisted with the goal of completing a nursing degree. Life, however, had other plans. As a single mother, the military provided stability and purpose. I stayed because it allowed me to support my family and serve others—fellow soldiers and civilians alike—during their most vulnerable moments. But as I approached retirement, I found myself wanting more: a profession where I could return to caring for people in a deeper, more holistic way. That desire led me to complete a B.S. in Psychology. I knew that even if I didn’t pursue a career specifically in psychology, it would provide a strong foundation for any future work centered on human health and wellbeing. It also aligned with my long-standing interest in understanding the mind-body connection. My decision to pursue naturopathic medicine with a focus on Functional Medicine stems from my belief that healing should begin with identifying and addressing root causes—not just managing symptoms. Too often, I’ve left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed, handed a prescription, and told to check back if it didn’t work. The cycle of trial-and-error medication without deeper investigation left me frustrated and unheard. I know I’m not alone in that experience. What excites me most about Functional Medicine is its systems-based, individualized approach. It recognizes the body as an interconnected whole and values the therapeutic relationship between patient and provider. This resonates with my natural curiosity, my desire to learn, and my lifelong drive to understand how things work—especially the human body. Most importantly, it aligns with my core belief that healthcare should be personalized, preventive, and empowering. Although I do not yet have formal experience in this field, I am eager to learn and deeply committed to this path. I plan to use my training to work in a clinic that focuses on accessible, integrative care—particularly for underserved populations such as veterans, single parents, and low-income families. My hope is to offer more than just treatment; I want to provide education, support, and hope. Becoming a naturopathic physician is more than a career change for me—it is a return to my original calling, now with greater purpose and perspective. I bring with me discipline, compassion, and a service-oriented mindset. With the right training, I am confident I can be a powerful force for healing and change in my community.

After retiring from the military earlier this year, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that meant more than just a paycheck. Though I originally planned to continue working in the logistics field, where I have 17 years of experience, my heart kept pulling me in a different direction—back to healthcare, back to helping people heal. I began my military career as a combat medic and enlisted with the goal of completing a nursing degree. Life, however, had other plans. As a single mother, the military provided stability and purpose. I stayed because it allowed me to support my family and serve others—fellow soldiers and civilians alike—during their most vulnerable moments. But as I approached retirement, I found myself wanting more: a profession where I could return to caring for people in a deeper, more holistic way. That desire led me to complete a B.S. in Psychology. I knew that even if I didn’t pursue a career specifically in psychology, it would provide a strong foundation for any future work centered on human health and wellbeing. It also aligned with my long-standing interest in understanding the mind-body connection. My decision to pursue naturopathic medicine with a focus on Functional Medicine stems from my belief that healing should begin with identifying and addressing root causes—not just managing symptoms. Too often, I’ve left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed, handed a prescription, and told to check back if it didn’t work. The cycle of trial-and-error medication without deeper investigation left me frustrated and unheard. I know I’m not alone in that experience. What excites me most about Functional Medicine is its systems-based, individualized approach. It recognizes the body as an interconnected whole and values the therapeutic relationship between patient and provider. This resonates with my natural curiosity, my desire to learn, and my lifelong drive to understand how things work—especially the human body. Most importantly, it aligns with my core belief that healthcare should be personalized, preventive, and empowering. Although I do not yet have formal experience in this field, I am eager to learn and deeply committed to this path. I plan to use my training to work in a clinic that focuses on accessible, integrative care—particularly for underserved populations such as veterans, single parents, and low-income families. My hope is to offer more than just treatment; I want to provide education, support, and hope. Becoming a naturopathic physician is more than a career change for me—it is a return to my original calling, now with greater purpose and perspective. I bring with me discipline, compassion, and a service-oriented mindset. With the right training, I am confident I can be a powerful force for healing and change in my community.

I will never forget the way I felt graduating from basic training and hearing the National Anthem being played. The pride and honor I felt becoming a part of something far bigger than any one person could ever be on their own was humbling. I still feel that every time I hear the National Anthem. When I first enlisted I expected discipline and physical challenges, but I got so much more. Serving my country profoundly reshaped the understanding of who I am, and what it means to be an American. I have seen the sacrifices that people have made, and the diversity of those who serve. I have seen what it is to stand with people of different races, religions, and political beliefs all united in a commitment to serve our country. That kind of unity, often forged through adversity, has deepened my respect for what America can be when we are at our best. In the twenty-six years that I served, I always took pride in putting on my uniform, standing up with my fellow service members, and taking on any task or challenge head-on.  The military taught me that the only limits that I have are the ones that I put on myself. I learned how to face every challenge head-on and know that I could make it through. I think one of the most important things that I learned is that no matter how strong you are, you cannot succeed alone. It is imperative to work with others to get a job accomplished, and that each person there is counting on everyone else to do their part in getting through the task. I was no longer accountable for just myself, but for all of the people around me as well. I found resilience when exhausted, how to be patient under pressure, and the strength in teamwork. The experiences I had showed me the inner strength and leadership that I did not know I had.  Ultimately, the Army taught me that who I am — and who we are as a country — is always changing. I now have a sense of purpose that goes beyond my own goals.  I have learned what it is to be a leader and mentor. I have a duty to serve not only through the military, but through education, advocacy, and community engagement. I am looking forward to new chances to keep growing and serve in new ways.