Veterans Scholarship Program
Rachel Bartlett
My name is Rachel Bartlett, I am a Staff Sergeant in the US Marine Corps Reserves and am currently in my second year at Columbia University pursing a degree in Political Science. Since moving to New York in Fall 2017, I have been on officer on Columbia’s Student Council, the Women Veteran Representative for Columbia’s Military Veteran Club (MilVets), on the board of General Studies Awards Committee and was recently selected as a Moody’s Scholar. As the Women Veteran Representative, I am invested in developing women veterans’ initiatives on campus, including monthly leadership luncheons between Columbia women veteran students, women leaders from New York based industries, and continuing the dialogue of women veteran recruitment and success at college campuses across the US. As a member of the MilVets Team, I help facilitate career and internships opportunities at weekly meetings hosted at Columbia with companies such as GP Morgan, Verizon, Bank of America, and others desiring to higher veterans. As an awards committee member I specialize in nominating distinguished students of exceptional leadership for University awards. I also have had the honor of being part of the Ivy League Veterans Council (ILVC) board led by Adam Behrendt of Stanford. ILVC is a student led organization who’s mission is helping veterans by sharing best practices for adjustment and prosperity during our Ivy League experience. Once a month I commute to Washington DC where I serve as a Detachment Chief with Security Cooperation’s Command and continue pursing career opportunities for professional development. Though I am a student, Marine, and community servant, my deepest passion and gift is singing and I do this as much possible whether for community events, in the Columbia Chorus, or as a worship leader at Trinity Grace Church in Manhattan.
Since beginning this adventure in New York, my love for helping others and sharing my gifts have only deepened. Receiving the ThoughtCloud Scholarship would mean enabling me to continue serving my fellow student veterans by relieving some of the financial burden of attending an Ivy League Institution. Though Columbia does its part to help veterans succeed through a supportive veteran community and staff, students are left with over ten thousand dollars/year and cannot enroll into the following school year until that number is reduced to less than a thousand dollars. The three-job structure I had when initially attending Columbia as a full-time student wasn’t sustainable for me as I took on community development and further Marine Corps responsibility, and my health eventually crashed after my first finals season. I am building back from that experience determined to give what I can of my time and talents to others while investing smartly in self-care. I have since reduced to one part time job and believe the ThoughtCloud scholarship will greatly impact my ability to serve with its generation financial award. I lover helping others towards their success and can’t imagine a time when I won’t be involved in that in some way. Now, I need help from leaders who graciously desire to give back and humbly ask for your investment on my pathway to graduation and future success. Thank you from the depths of my heart.
Shartonya Braddy
Hello my name is Shartonya Braddy and I am a student at Irvine Valley College. I recently moved to California from Maryland, but I am a southern North Carolina girl who is on the path of retirement within the federal government. I was a paralegal in the US Army which I served for almost 7 years before I was injured. I am a Iraqi war veteran as well. Originally I wanted to be a probation/parole officer, but once I became injured I had to change my dream job. I have been out of the Army since February 2013 and it took me until now to realize what I truly want to be. I like to help others and show them their purpose in life and it made sense to try to work towards becoming a social worker. With this scholarship I hope to work closer to that goal and make it a reality.
Kyle Fraser
I am 30 years old, born and raised in Orange County, California. I am a full-time student, on top of being a full-time employee, husband, and step-dad. I enjoy Football, Hockey, and Baseball. I enjoy a good scotch or Irish whiskey, neat. I also have a new hobby in smoking (BBQ, not the inhaling one). I joined the United States Marine Corps right after high school in 2006 and was a fixed winged F/A-18 jet mechanic dealing mostly with powerplants, fuel systems, and operation on the flight line. After my 5 year enlistment I started taking classes at a local community college and got a position as a veterans work study.
Jesse Caldwell
My name is Jesse Caldwell and I served in the United States Army for five years. I ended at the rank of Specialist in the Military Police Corps. I am currently enrolled at Irvine Valley College in the pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree. I am honored to be among the recipients to receive this award. Thank you again for this opportunity.
Irwin Klink
My name is Irwin Klink and I am a former U.S. Army infantryman currently studying at Irvine Valley Community College with aspirations to transfer to U.C. Irvine. Through my time in the military, I have developed the necessary skills and qualities to overcome adversity. To be a recipient of the ThoughtCloud Scholarship is a great honor and this will help to circumvent the costs associated with my university tuition. Specifically, I have decided to pursue a degree in economics with the aim of helping to create an accessible university system for civilians and veterans alike. Through education, we can transform this world into a more prosperous place. It is the vehicle for advancement, eliminating gender inequality, revitalizing the environment, promoting international diplomacy, and uplifting nations to be economically self-sufficient.
The world is globalizing at an increasingly fast pace that is stoking tension within different countries which seek to maintain their identities. However, our diversity and codependence with each other offers each of us the opportunities to collaborate and understand the world wholly. Similarly, when I was in the military it was through our diversity and shared goal that we were able to complete our missions. Serving alongside people of different ethnicities has showed me that our differences can be channeled together to create an improved product.
Bridging the digital divide and integrating technology into developing countries will give poverty-stricken communities a chance to compete an ever-evolving job market. Artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, cryptocurrency, drone developments, and fiber optics demonstrate the increasing dependence on technology. This proliferation will exacerbate a growing divide between agrarian and industrialized countries therefor it is our duty to our fellow citizens of the world to expand the accessibility of education to curb the poverty distribution found throughout the world.
As a native to a rural Fiji territory, Rotuma, I can attest to the rudimentary lifestyle that makes daily life challenging. I will utilize this scholarship to secure an internship with LäjeRotuma Initiative a community-based organization with the goal of conducting information surveys that asses the socio-economic status of Rotuma and develops a management plan to deal with these issues.
Brian Parga
Hi, I’m Brian Parga. I am 24 years old and am a first generation, first year college student from my family. I am the only boy in the family with 7 sisters. I was raised by my father and my grandparents. I recently just got out of the Marine Corps earlier this year and have been excited to start school for the last year or two. I am pursing a nursing degree and hoping to transfer into UCI fall 2020. I’m ecstatic to start a new line of work and while I loved my time in the service I felt it was my time to move on to different things. The military has given me so much and I’d gladly do it again if need be. I met my now wife directly after I finished boot camp and we spent the next 4.5 years in a long distance relationship which was as rough as you can imagine. We are now finally married and living together with a 3 month old beautiful puppy. While in the Marine Corps I did jobs under an infantry title and security; and loved them both. I am really looking forward to the next few years of school that will be a new type of challenging that I have perhaps not come across for a long time. Thank you for the time and consideration!”
Zachariah Whitrock
My name is Zachariah Whitrock and I am in the US Navy Reserves. I am currently in my first year back to school after 10 years active duty. Since coming back to school, I have had a bit of a rough time readjusting to the life of a student. Not so rough in the way of discipline, but rather in the way of learning to study again. In the last 10 years, I’ve forgotten just how much time it takes to do well in college classes- particularly STEM classes. Luckily, though, I learned some great things in the Navy. Like how to focus and get the job done. So, while I can readily admit to having some difficulty back at school, I can also say that each day is getting better and more efficient. I have already gotten to know so many other vets on campus. There are quite a few who are in the same major, Mechanical Engineering, and a good number of those ones are in the same ballpark as far as classes that have been completed. Many of us have lined up our remaining classes together so we can get through as a team. This has made my school experience very enjoyable. Even though we have all moved on from the military, there is still a real bond there between us such that we would prefer to accomplish the mission together. I don’t have many hobbies nowadays due to the extreme workload that comes standard with every engineering degree, but one thing I always make time for is church on Sunday. I have been involved with the church in Anaheim for 14 years and love every bit of it. I have the opportunity to serve community in many ways, whether it be gospel picnics, weekend conference meetings, or weekend retreats up in the mountains. I not only participate in many of these events, but also volunteer at many of them in order to serve those in the community who attend. I am so happy that ThoughtCloud has taken the time to help by offering scholarships. The most important goal I have right now is not only to finish school, but also to do very well in my classes so I can go on to apply to the UCs and some private schools. This scholarship helps me keep the financial stability I need to not have any worry about the “what if” scenarios.å
Pat Mallawong
My name is Pat Mallawong, I’m an Air Force veteran and currently a full time student attending classes at Irvine Valley College. I also work full time and have a family. Navigating these three areas as a full time student, full time employee and a being a husband and father is challenging. I would not be able to do it without the support of my family. Life can be challenging at times, but with a great support system, I know I will be able to accomplish my goal of obtaining my bachelors degree in communications. I plan to work for an organization that helps veterans adjust back to civilian life after their time in service has ended. I’m grateful that my current role at work allows me to serve those veterans in need, but I know more can be done. With the ThoughCloud Scholarship, I will be more financially stable in reaching my goal.
Tracy Johnston
My name is Tracy Johnston, I served in the Navy as a Nuclear Trained Machinist Mate forsix years. I am now attending college with the goal of earning a Bachelor’s Degree inMechanical Engineering. I will be the first of my siblings and cousins to achieve the goal of earning a degree. This scholarship will help to ensure that I am the first of the generation of myfamily to earn a college degree. I believe that earning a degree will set an example for my family, but also for fellow veterans that success can be achieved after service. I hope to be able to help other veterans achieve their goals.
James Farmer
A little about me – my name is James Farmer and I am a third year student, who recently transferred from Irvine Valley College to Chapman University in Orange, California, pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences. My long term goal is to return to the United States Navy as a trauma physician to provide surgical services to those in need. Since I started my journey here at Chapman, I’ve made it my mission to reach out to other incoming and current student veterans. As the Secretary of the Student Veteran’s Association, I’ve taken on a huge responsibility that also provides me the opportunity to reach out to my fellow veterans. As a veteran transfer student, I know how confusing and overhwelming the transition process and lifestyle adjustment can be from junior college to university. The organization and leadership skills obtained through 8 years of Naval service haven proven to be my most valuable asset in not only supporting those students, but maintaining academic excellence and keeping myself, and those around me, motivated.
As for the ThoughtCloud scholorship and the gracious contributors thereof, I can’t express enough gratitude for how wonderful this financial contribution is – a true blessing. Before starting school, I’d heard of people receiving scholarships and didn’t think much of it. Now that I’m feeling the weight of academic demands push firmly down upon my shoulders, I see first hand how much stress these financial rewards relieve. The balance of work and school is no feat to balk at. Your contributions are never taken for granted, and I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re part of my success. Thank you!
David Wright
My name is David Wright, I am currently a student at Malcolm X City College of Chicago. After serving 6 years in the United States Navy I decided to move to Chicago to pursue a career with personal training. After completing a 6 month personal training course at the National Personal Training Institute of Chicago, I started my career working as a trainer downtown at a gym called FitPro West. I quickly gained clients of all types, helping each of them feel better about themselves and getting them closer to their fitness goals. I decided I wanted to continue my education and attended The Soma Institute of Clinical Massage Therapy. After 11 months of school I became a licensed massage therapist and quickly utilized this skill set with my clients. I wanted to offer them the best quality package for personal training and improving their quality of life with soft tissue work. Currently I am still training with over 15 clients and have seen amazing improvements with their fitness, health and wellness. This scholarship will help me continue my journey in Chicago helping manage daily expenses and financial hurdles that have evolved while kick starting my career. Chicago is a new city for me so having any support makes all the difference with keeping this personal training dream alive. I plan to continue to help as many people in Chicago reach their fitness goals as well as make as many people feel better about themselves using the knowledge and skills I have acquired over the years. This has been an amazing journey so far to include my time in the US Navy, I plan to keep striving with my goals and helping as many people as I can.
Dominique Thomas Leonard
I am extremely honoured and humbled to be a finalist in the ThoughtCloud Scholarship for Veterans. I cannot put into words my feelings when I read the email. For the past several semester’s I couldn’t afford to purchase my books for class so I used the ones supplied by the school library but you can only make copies of the book. Well, that became expensive and some of my classmates started to make copies for me. Now with this scholarship, I can finally purchase my own books not only for this semester but the upcoming one as well. Again thank you for selecting me, my daughter’s and I are extremely grateful.
TINA JACKSON
First of all, thank you for even letting me be considered for this very prestigious scholarship. I would like you to know that this scholarship helps me achieve my education goals of becoming a working Paralegal and a Court Advocate for other Veterans going through the Orange County Criminal Court System. It will also help me take additional courses to help me further my education goals that the VA will not pay for because the courses do not directly come under my course major, therefore the VA will not pay for the courses. I also do not want to take additional loans to take additional courses because I do not want to go into debt. However, the business courses, such as courses that teach you to operate different computer applications are not covered by the VA, but are very vital to me being competitive in the job market. The scholarship will also help me to assist other veterans that are going through the criminal justice system through my Nonprofit ‘Angels for Justice.’ I am doing this right now out of my own pocket, I am assisting veterans within the criminal justice system, and others as well and their families while they are in the criminal system and beyond. I have gone to court with families as they supported their loved ones going through the criminal justice system. I frequently go to prisons and jails throughout the state to meet with veterans in custody as to help them get the services they need, and I am working to help them assimilate successfully back into the community. There is so much more that I would like to do and accomplish to help others caught in the criminal justice system, as well as other college courses that I would like to take that would further my ability to assist others. Once again, thank you for considering me
Wesley Northern
This scholarship will help me out when I transfer over to California State University Long Beach or Fullerton. I plan on using it on gas and school supplies. As a single father, times get tough and every little bit counts. I’m so excited that I was picked for this scholarship. I hope graduate with my bachelors in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice. I plan to help veterans coming out of the military or people coming out of the justice system. Thank you again.
Desire Ramos
My name is Desire Ramos. I served in the United States Marine Corps for four years, completing my contract with the rank of Sergeant, and with roles and responsibilities in Administration and Operations. I am currently enrolled at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). I am participating in the EMT/Paramedics program with hopes of obtaining an Associate’s degree. This ThoughtCloud Veteran Scholarship will greatly assist me in acquiring uniforms, medical equipment, and workbooks. This scholarship will also help cover exams and scoring fees, and other required material. Upon completion of the EMT/Paramedics Program, I intend to apply for the FDNY Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division, investing and serving the community right back. Achieving my academic goals and continuing my passion of serving others are, in part, being made possible by opportunities like this. Thank you so much, ThoughtCloud, for this investment. It is a true honor and privilege to be one of your award recipients!
Agenor Rodriguez
Hoorah everybody! My name is Agenor Rodriguez and I am a United States Marine veteran. I joined the Marine Corps in 2003 right after high school and was honorably discharged in 2008 as a Sergeant of Marines. After the Marine Corps, I transitioned into civilian life as a computer systems administrator in a five-star nursing facility in Manhattan. My original plan was to use the GI Bill right away and get my degree, but life had other plans for me! Instead, I went on to first become a dad of two beautiful children who are now five and seven years old. At almost the same time, I also became a stepfather to a beautiful ten-year-old daughter for a total of three children! In 2015, after mastering the art of being a dad, I decided it was finally time to take advantage of the GI Bill and go back to school while I was working full time. I am now just ten credits shy of earning my associate’s degree in computer science! I didn’t think it was possible to be a full-time dad, a full-time employee, and a full-time student at the same time, but I did it for a year! I’m now on the final stretch, and so I had to quit my job in order to be able to finish the toughest classes and still be able to take care of my three children. Since I am now unemployed, I am currently living off the Post 9/11 GI Bill, so this scholarship will really help me succeed! After my associate’s I plan to transfer to a four-year university and continue my studies in computer science. Eventually, I would love to teach the next generation about today’s technology. Thank you!
Eric Leon Estrada
Born in the beautiful city of San Diego, as an infamous “anchor baby,” I grew up within the care of my loving, single mother. Unfortunately, my family was not the “ideal” family, but instead, dysfunctional is a better word to describe it. My hard working mother’s care got me to graduate high school. Soon after that, I received a call from “Uncle Sam,” and decided to serve in the best fighting force in the world, the U.S. Marines. In those five years I learned the discipline that my absent father did not provide, and obtained a sense of what I really wanted to do in life. Now I have about two years left before being the first in my family to graduate from a University, and obtain my B.S. in Industrial Engineering and B.A. in English, in which I currently hold a 3.85 G.P.A. Since I currently provide care for my mother, sister and nephews, this scholarship will assist me in such in order for me to successfully focus in my studies. Such act of kindness motivates students like I, or with a similar history, to be successful leaders in our society. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
David Forbes
My name is David Forbes, I’m a Marine Corps veteran of five years. I served in the Infantry, and planned on making a career out of the military. However, times and health conditions change due to unforeseen circumstances which forced me to leave my cammies behind. I enrolled in Irvine Valley College to pursue a degree in Biology and eventually apply to Medical School. Once again, poor medical circumstances kept me out of the classroom up to four out of five days a week. Despite these setbacks, I worked rigorously in order to maintain an almost perfect grade point average. After so many trips and meetings with doctors, I was burned out on the prospect of staying in the world of medicine. It took some thought, but I switched my major to English in order to obtain a seat in Law school – hoping that as a lawyer I will be of great use to other veterans trying to obtain good medical care. I still continue to visit the VA hospital anywhere from three to five times a week in order to stay on top of my plethora of medical issues. With that in mind I am extremely thankful to be awarded this scholarship. The last laptop that I purchased was in 2012 while still serving. The machine went through a deployment as well as faced the inevitable slow down that time brings to outdated technology. With the ThoughtCloud scholarship I will be able to purchase a new laptop which will help me exponentially during my frequent visits to the hospital and time spent away from class
Tyler Fishburn
Hello, my name is Tyler Fishburn, and I served in the United States Navy for six years as a Nuclear Machinists Mate. I held the rank of Petty Officer Second Class upon my detachment of Active Duty service. I am currently enrolled in Orange Coast College pursuing a degree in engineering that I hope will take me to California Polytechnic University in Pomona, California. I am originally from Oklahoma, and fell in love with the West Coast after I had been stationed here for a few years. This scholarship will allow me to pursue my lifelong passion in engineering, alleviating some of the monetary burdens associated with this career path so that I may one day build the buildings that I have been so enthralled by since I was a child. I am sincerely honored by this opportunity and wish to thank ThoughtCloud for their consideration in my application.
Arlen Gee
My name is Arlen Gee, majoring in mechanical engineering, I am currently enrolled in my second year of classes at the San Diego Community College District. Living in San Diego for about six years, I stayed in San Diego after being honorably discharged from the military in the 2017 after six years of service as a Nuclear Operator. Although I was discharged in 2017, I continue my service to our great country through my affiliation with the United States Navy Reserves. Soon, I intend transferring to a four-year institution-with the ultimate goal of obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree. With this education and all the experience that comes with it, I intend on becoming an acclaimed engineer. I hope to get involved in the energy field to help reverse the negative impact of climate change.
This scholarship will be a big help! While San Diego is a beautiful city, it is very expensive. Being a mechanical engineering major does not give me the ability to work full time so the very generous award of this scholarship is greatly appreciated! This large amount of money will help cover some of the numerous expenses that I have. I cannot thank the ThoughtCloud Foundation enough for this honor and I am very grateful!
Luis Rangel min
My name is Luis Rangel, and I am a US Navy veteran whom discharged from the service on April of 2017. Upon my discharge, I immediately enrolled in Los Angeles City College and started attending classes within the summer of 2017. It has been approximately one year and a half since I’ve enrolled where I’ve been taking classes non-stop which include summer and winter classes. As a Computer Science major, some classes have been very challenging but have managed to my sustain myself thanks to tutors within the Veterans Resource Center and STEM Program within the community college.
Prior to my discharge, I was already taking college classes and taking advantage of Tuition Assistance while on Active Duty with the purpose of getting closer to earning a degree. However, not all of my credits transferred due to the fact that each state has different education standards for each of their classes. Because of it, I won’t be able to manage to earn a bachelor’s degree before running out of GI bill benefits. I will have to apply for student loans, work part time, and apply for scholarships to pay for my last year. Therefore, I want to thank throughout cloud with assisting me with this scholarship and will utilize it as savings for my last year in college.
Erick Olvera
I am going to use this scholarship to help pay my bills, feed my children, and by Medical equipment that I need for my degree program. As a single dad with two little ones, the bills really add up, so this scholarship would seriously help me with expenses.
Gerardo Castro Gonzalez
My name is Gerardo Castro Gonzalez and I served for almost 8 years as a Damage Controlman in the United States Navy. My first Command was the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 in Yokosuka Japan. Then I transferred to Hawaii to the USS Chosin CG-65. I am currently progressing through the second semester of my sophomore year at Cerritos College, pursuing a degree in Computer Science. For the last six semesters, I have been serving at the Cerritos College Veterans’ Resource Center (VRC) as a Veterans Affairs Associate, responsible for assisting fellow student veterans in a variety ways. Informing them of veteran benefits outside of school/academics, veteran’s events. I spend the majority of my free time with my wife and children. Together, we typically enjoy adventurous activities, such as biking, hiking, and fishing. As I am currently utilizing my final semester of the GI Bill, this scholarship would help me continue my education as well as financially support my family. Employment at the Cerritos College VRC has helped with the financial burden. All in all, I very much appreciate ThoughtCloud’s generosity in presenting this scholarship opportunity. I am always humbled by benefactors such as this gracious foundation, and look forward to one day being capable of similar philanthropic efforts.
Chris Hooshmand
My name is Christopher Hooshmand and I am a U.S. Marine veteran. After 4
years of active duty service I was honorably discharged at the rank of
Corporal of Marines. After the Marine Corps I decided to enroll in
community college but I was unsure of what career to pursue. I remember
finding out my friend was seriously injured in the war and feeling hopeless.
That feeling lead me to explore a career in medicine so I could help
veterans suffering from their injuries. During this time I took a job working
security at a local Hospital and discovered my love of medicine. Working in
the medical field reassured me that this is the right path for me. I became a
Pre-Medical major and completed all of the courses necessary to apply for
medical school. Once I was accepted into medical school I was informed
that of my class of 162 students I was the only veteran. My acceptance into
medical school proves that any veteran can accomplish their goals when
they put their mind to it.
I am currently a third-year medical student working hard towards my
medical degree. The ThoughtCloud Scholarship will help me tremendously
by easing the burden of student loans. This financial relief would allow me
to focus more on my academics and less on my mounting debt. Thank you
again ThoughtCloud for this amazing scholarship.
Maria Mendoza
Hello everyone, my name is Maria Mendoza I am a student at Northern Virginia Community College. I am currently a part-time college student graduating at the end of this term with an associate in electrical engineering and transferring to George Mason University in pursuit of my bachelor’s degree. I served in the United States Marine corps for 4 and a half years. I deployed to Afghanistan January 2012-July 2012 and was port of Operation Enduring Freedom. I am honored to be among so many amazing service members who have received this award.
Andrew Elvir
My name is Andrew Elvir and I am a student at BMCC in Manhattan, New York studying Biology. After serving in the Navy for eight years, I decided it was my time to combine my passion for helping people with my desire to learn more about math and science as a pre-med student. What pushed me to go back to studying was when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As he was he man that raised me, it was my turn to give back to him by not only spending time with him however, also pursuing a career that will allow me to learn more about human illnesses, such as the one that has impacted my grandfather.
Throughout my childhood, my grandfather had taught me to not only do something, but accomplish it. As an immigrant himself to the U.S., I watched him work persistent hours allowing me to have the best childhood I was able to have. Everything he did was done with a purpose, and that is what I learned to do. He supported my decision to go into the Navy when most of my family wouldn’t; he was always my biggest supporter. Every little action he made allowed me to follow my dreams of entering the navy where I realized I had a passion for helping people, fighting for the lives of my peers and countrymen. This passion is now emulated in my studies as well as providing my grandfather the opportunity to go back to his home of Puerto Rico with this scholarship.
Thomas Martinez
One of the many memorable lessons I learned in the United States Marine Corps was to “Be Technically and Tactically proficient. That is one of the first Leadership Principles per the Marine Corps Manual. The second is “Know yourself and seek Self-Improvement”. The First Mission of Marine Corps Leadership is “Mission Accomplishment”, the second is “Troop Welfare”. These first two Leadership Principles and Mission Tenets are firmly ingrained in me and what I Believe in. In doing so they have helped me decide how I will give back to my fellow beings: I WILL BE a medical practitioner. I will do so to heal, protect, and advance the quality of Life of my patients as a Certified Physician Assistant.
The aforementioned principles and guides applicable in any career. I have chosen to apply it to my future career choice with the financial backing of the ThoughtCloud Foundation Scholarship. My chosen career choice demands I be Technically and Tactically proficient with medical updates and continuously refined bedside manners. The profession requires continuing medical education, which matches my insatiable appetite for all things medical and health related. My personal mission to be achieved in due time is to be accepted into a Master’s Program of Physician Assistant (P.A.) Program. One way to get there is with personal drive. An equally important manner to get there is with adequate financial backing. Earning the ThoughtCloud Foundation Scholarship is a means to an end. It contributes to (this) Troop Welfare and help achieve the mid-range goal of admission into the P.A. program. It do so by facilitating the purchase of my needed study materials. Such materials include a tablet to limit the need to carry different books in my car, and having to leave the library to fetch said books as needed. It will also allow me to purchase electronic versions of my much needed science books that are more expensive as I move up the required course load. They are needed and contribute to the technical proficiency I subscribe. The resource to “Complete the Mission” is the generosity of the ThoughtCloud Foundation. Troop Welfare follows the drive for Mission Accomplishment. Troop Welfare in the form of a scholarship is what I will remember as I get closer and closer to acceptance into a P.A. program. I WILL.
It is notable time to be a recipient of such a generous scholarship as the medical literature is exploding with the benefits of previously demonized and misunderstood therapies. I intend to incorporate them in my medical practice as appropriate and as needed. I WILL. Technically and Tactically proficient, Mission Accomplishment, and Troop welfare have significantly molded my career choice, and drive to achieve it. The financial support and generosity of the ThoughtCloud Foundation are putting me closer to achieving me goal: To serve humanity with all available resources the way I was helped is a key ingredient to the success of healing, protecting, and advancing the health quality of Life of fellow human beings.
Pierre Thomas
Next semester, I plan on being ambitious and take 5 classes so that I will be able to transfer to Marymount University sooner. Until now, I have only taken 4 classes per semester. Ultimately, I desire to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Marymount University and I hope to treat veterans in the future whether it’s in the public or private sector.
Chris Hooshmand
My name is , I am a twenty six year old Army Veteran. I served four years active duty. I am currently a full time college student, seeking a Bachelors in Communication with a Minor in Psychology. I shall be transferring to Cal State Long Beach this up coming Fall. I want to eventually end up with a Masters in Communication because I want to help other Veterans use their voice and be heard. I am very honored to be a getting this scholarship and will continue to use my voice for the power of our Veterans.
Christopher Obell
My name is Christopher Obell and I’m an Air Force Veteran. I am currently a full-time student at Northern Virginia Community College. I am pursuing a dual General Studies and Liberal Arts Associates Degree, and my goal is to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree in English education. I plan to use my degree to teach, and to volunteer in my community to help adults with learning English as a second language. I am very thankful for the honor and privilege of receiving the ThoughtCloud scholarship. The extra financial support is a great benefit. The scholarship will help me purchase some technology that I need to continue my education, especially a portable laptop. This will make it possible for me to study on the go, and at school I won’t have to wait for a computer during peak lab hours. I also plan to use a portion of the scholarship for next semester’s books and supplies. Earning this scholarship has motivated me to continue to do my very best at school and in my community, and I hope that I can also be an encouragement to other veterans to do the same. Thank you.