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 served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army’s 10th Mountain Division. During my service, I had the privilege of leading soldiers, completing Ranger School, and supporting operations overseas, including the mission to assist Afghan evacuees in Kuwait.
What I value most about my military service is the opportunity to have led and served alongside extraordinary people from different backgrounds, united by a shared sense of purpose. The Army taught me that leadership is not defined by rank or authority, but by a willingness to serve others, accept responsibility, and place the needs of the team ahead of your own. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach education, mentorship, and my future career in healthcare.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
Mentorship has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life. As an Army officer and ROTC instructor, I had the privilege of helping young men and women develop the confidence, discipline, and resilience necessary to pursue their goals.
At Vanderbilt, I hope to continue that commitment by supporting fellow students, particularly those navigating the transition from military service into higher education. I have also been fortunate to contribute to efforts to build a stronger community for military and veteran students within the School of Nursing.
I believe effective mentorship begins with humility, genuine curiosity, and a willingness to learn from others. The values I hope to share are integrity, accountability, perseverance, and servant leadership. Most importantly, I want to encourage others to recognize their potential and understand that leadership is ultimately measured by the positive impact we have on those around us.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
At Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, I am pursuing my Master of Nursing degree, developing the clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical experience necessary to become a registered nurse. My studies have reinforced my interest in complex patient care, as well as the importance of compassionate, evidence-based practice.
Following graduation, I plan to build a strong clinical foundation as a registered nurse in a high-acuity setting before pursuing advanced education to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). My long-term goal is to work specifically with veterans, providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to those navigating the often complex challenges of military service and the transition to civilian life.
Having served myself, I hope to bring both clinical expertise and an understanding of military culture to that work. For me, nursing is an opportunity to continue a lifelong commitment to service, this time by supporting the health and well-being of those who have served.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
I would encourage any veteran considering the Bass Military Scholars Program to apply. Transitioning from military service into a new academic and professional environment can be challenging, particularly when it involves redefining your sense of purpose after leaving the service.
The Bass Military Scholars Program offers more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to become part of a community of veterans who share a commitment to service, leadership, and continued personal growth. The program recognizes that the experiences and perspectives veterans bring to Vanderbilt are valuable, while also investing in their potential to make a difference in their next chapter.
For me, it represents an opportunity to continue serving others in a new capacity, surrounded by individuals who understand the importance of service and share a desire to make a meaningful contribution to their communities.