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Branch:Ìý±«.³§.Ìý´¡°ù³¾²âÌý

Time served: 2010-2012

Why did you enlist?

 I come from a family with a long military background and wanted to be a part of that family tradition.

Tell us about your service. What did you do? What was your role?

My M.O.S (Job) was a 12C (Bridge Crew Member), I built bridges. I also worked in the office with paperwork and with the mechanics at times. My role was just to get things done no matter what. The mission always comes first. 

Were you deployed?

I did not deploy overseas. I did get attached to a fire fighting unit and deployed with them stateside when Texas caught fire. I learned how to properly clear a burning building. I also learned how to properly handle looters when a natural disaster occurs.  

What's one of your fondest memories from when you served?

I have two favorite memories from my time in the Army. One would have to be breaching doors. I was the person who kicked the door in. There was a sense of thrill never knowing what was going to be on the other side of the door. My next favorite would be when I was deployed stateside to help with the fire in Texas. Yes, there was a lot of pain and suffering but that was not what I liked. It was seeing the love and support that everyone was showing each other, like kids giving toys to other kids to make them feel better and strangers opening their homes to other strangers who lost their homes. Like I said, there was a lot of pain during the natural disaster; however, the love and support that followed, and to be a part of it, was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced.

What do you think are the most important skills you gained from your time in the service?

Vehicle Maintenance:

• Being a female, I don’t have to worry about a flat in the middle of the night when alone. I know how to change it and take care of it myself. 
• I know how to change oil, brakes, rotors, and belts on my own car and don’t have to pay for someone else to do it.
• I can teach my kids how to do these things.

Accountability:

• I do not blame others when I mess up.
• I do not expect things to be given to me.
• I know whatever I want, I must work for it. 

Work ethic:

• The importance of being on time.
• The meaning of hard work and how to manage it.
• What career-oriented goals are, what they mean to me and how to obtain those goals.

How does ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ fit into your future plans?

I want to become an accountant and a college degree is necessary for that career. I picked ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ because of the smaller class sizes. This means I can get more one-on-one time with my professors to make sure I know the material and can pass my classes with better grades. I also picked ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ because I can get the same degree here as at a university; however, it is a lot cheaper at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.