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 enlisted in the Army to serve the nation, which was something that I had a desire to do from a young age. I was fortunate to serve in the Army Infantry and Special Forces Regiment after earning my Green Beret. My time in service gave me the chance to contribute to a variety of missions in Afghanistan, Africa, and Latin America. Looking back at the unique experiences I had, I truly value the mentorship I received from outstanding leaders, and serving with some of the best people that America has to offer.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
I’m excited to mentor other students at Vanderbilt! I’ve learned many lessons over the years through my own successes and failures as a leader, and I look forward to passing on those lessons to help others on their own path to success. Teaching, coaching, and mentoring were critical aspects in my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. Being a role model as a Bass Scholar gives me the chance to carry on in that tradition.
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’m focused on studying a broad range of business and technical skills at the Owen Graduate School of Management with a concentration in Healthcare and Strategy. I hope to use what I learn at Owen, in addition to the leadership and cultural skills I developed in the Army, to make improvements in the Healthcare sector.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Scholar program is an incredible opportunity, and I encourage others to apply! We are a small, but committed, group of veterans that have a desire to serve our peers, fellow Vanderbilt undergrad students, and the broader Nashville community. We have a shared vision, and all of us are willing to go the extra mile to help others. If you’re exploring the amazing opportunities that Vanderbilt has to offer, and are looking for ways to continue to serve the community, we’d love to have you!