U.S. Navy
M.S. Information Systems, Syracuse University iSchool, 2027
Patch. Busan, South Korea.
Spending most of my active-duty Naval career as a submarine mechanic was an unforgettable experience that shaped my work ethic and discipline. When I separated from the active-duty Navy, I decided to return to school and transferred into a new position in the Navy Reserves as an Intelligence Specialist. Balancing school, work, and military service tested my ability to stay focused and organized. My first overseas assignment as a reservist took me to Busan, South Korea, where I worked alongside the Republic of Korea Navy during a joint exercise. It was my first experience collaborating so closely with a foreign military, and I gained a deep appreciation for teamwork and cultural exchange. Despite the long hours and demanding schedule, we shared laughs and built mutual respect. At the end of the exercise, I exchanged patches with one of the translators as a sign of friendship and connection. That small gesture became a lasting reminder of my service and the lessons I’ve carried into civilian life. Today, that patch continues to motivate me as a student to keep pushing forward and take pride in how far I’ve come.
