Life has taken me down many different paths, each contributing to the story that ultimately became my book. Staying on a straight path was often challenging; my focus wavered, my intuition clouded. In my younger years, I frequently wondered, “Who am I, and where am I going?”
At 18, I didn’t imagine that a college degree would be in my future. My early attempts at community college were marked by false starts, and I faced a disappointing dismissal from the baseball team. These setbacks drained my sense of purpose, and I needed a change—a test to see if I could stand on my own. That’s when I felt called by faith to join the Army.
I hadn’t envisioned myself as an infantry paratrooper. Growing up, I was a kid who played sports, enjoyed video games, and led a fairly sheltered life. Yet, there I was, jumping into the military with everything I had. Though naturally quiet, I worked hard and excelled in the Army. I jumped out of airplanes, handled heavy weaponry, directed military communications for my battalion—and also confronted personal challenges, speaking my truth and persevering despite frequent failures.
When transitioning from the military, programs like TAP (Transition Assistance Program) aim to prepare veterans for civilian life, yet the journey back can be fraught with uncertainty. According to VA.org, over 35,000 veterans remain homeless in the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by many. Transitioning soldiers can find themselves struggling with loss of structure, battling issues like substance abuse and mental health challenges. I know the struggle firsthand—I fell into self-destructive patterns without realizing it, until one frightening moment forced me to confront my situation.
In just a few months, I went from a regimented life of meals, schedules, and uniforms to a world with no structure. I indulged in new freedoms, but pride quickly gave way to a hard fall. Recovery wasn’t easy, but with the help of prayer, reflection, and the resilience I had developed, I rebuilt myself. I took on various jobs to stay grounded—cooking, cleaning, manual labor—anything to rediscover my sense of discipline and purpose.
With a renewed commitment, I returned to community college, finished my coursework, and set my sights on Pepperdine, drawn by its message of “servant leadership.” There, I finally found a place where I felt I belonged.
My faith journey began as a child reading the Gospels. Although I lost my way for a time, I found renewed inspiration through sources like Jordan Peterson’s biblical series, which helped me understand the power of a personal relationship with God. I was reminded that God’s presence is always there, ready to guide us.
For many veterans, the path forward isn’t so clear. Some don’t have a stable family to return to, and many come from difficult backgrounds. This lack of support can make college or even civilian life feel out of reach. Transitioning from military structure to civilian life requires a leap of faith, and mistakes are part of the journey. Veterans need understanding, encouragement, and care to help them move forward.
Today, I serve with Pepperdine’s Veterans Club, working to create a supportive community and a sense of purpose for fellow veterans. This Veterans Day, our message on campus is clear: veterans are not alone. We see them, honor them, and will continue to do everything we can to support and remember their sacrifices. The freedoms we enjoy are because of these brave men and women, and as they return to civilian life, we stand ready to support them.