Tell us about your military service. What did you do? Where did you serve? What do you value the most about your military service?
I was a CH-53 helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps. The nine years I spent in service provided me with opportunities that are only available in the Marine Corps. From being a pilot in an operational environment to leading a department in charge of 350 Marines, I was able to learn unique skills and provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and create lifelong friendships. Being able to work with such a diverse group of people has provided me with the self-confidence that I can work with any type of person to overcome even the toughest challenges.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
As a veteran coming to Vanderbilt, I look forward to sharing my experiences and perspectives that I have gained from my time in the Marines. While I am excited to learn from my peers’ perspectives, as a mentor on campus, I want to be able to demonstrate how important it is to be reliable, humble, and how to effectively draw strength from the different backgrounds of members of your team.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
I am currently pursuing my MBA at the Owen Graduate School of Management. Upon graduation I would like to take the leverage of the business skills I learn at school along with my military aviation experience and find employment with an aerospace and defense company.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program is a powerful network both within the Vanderbilt community and outside. Prior to even starting school, I connected to both current and former scholars that provided me crucial guidance to make my transition to school easier as well as how to approach searching for my next career. The Bass network also provides avenues to give back and join the local community.