I can still remember the day, about twelve years old, when my grandfather told me, “Julie… you better focus on your grades and get a scholarship, college is expensive” and when I graduated high school I was able to get a yearlong scholarship to a local community college, but that didn’t get me far. I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer and growing up in a small town in Northern Washington I often felt like a big fish in a small pond. I decided to join the Air Force in 2003 after watching a commercial advertising the G.I. bill and realizing that was the ticket to my future. I had never considered military enlistment while growing up and it seemed like a wild and crazy adventure. I was a dreamer, and this dream was BIG.
Little did I know, that decision would not only change my life but lead me down a path that would eventually fufill my dreams. During my enlisted career I travelled the entire Pacific, European and much of northern American areas of operation. I’ve met Condoleezza Rice, former presidents Bush and Clinton, as well as too many A-list actors, performers and top officials to mention. Military experience opened my eyes, cultured my character, and tempered my personality. I’ve gained perspective, tolerance, integrity and a sense of empowering leadership that I most assuredly would never have developed in any other walk of life. And yet, the dream didn’t end with my enlistment.
I transferred into the Army in 2008 and was accepted into a college scholarship program called Green to Gold in 2009. Using my G.I. Bill and ROTC scholarship I was able to enroll at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and use my military residency for in-state tuition. The funding from my ROTC scholarship and G.I. Bill have allowed me to stay in the local area, pay my mortgage, pay off my truck, and maintain the standard of living I enjoyed as an enlisted sergeant. The transition from active military service to full time college student couldn’t have been easier, thanks to the financial and emotional support I’ve received from my ROTC brothers, sisters, and veteran instructing staff.
Now, only months away from graduation and a commission as an officer in the United States Army, I can’t believe that the path I began walking down seven years ago towards a dream- is becoming a reality. My only regret is that I didn’t take this route sooner.

This entire process has caused me to overcome my greatest fears. If there is anyone out there hesitating on the fence over a decision to finish school and come into the Army as an officer- give me a ring! It's the best decision I have EVER made!