WHAT’S CARE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Tell us a story about a time in your life when you needed and received care. What did this look and feel like? How did SYSTEMS play a role in your story--how were institutions caring or uncaring?

There was a time in my life when I really needed support, and the care I received made all the difference. The people I’ve met along the way in the military are absolutely incredible—more than just friends, they’ve become my support system in every sense. Military friends have a unique way of keeping me grounded, especially during the toughest times when I start to lose sight of who I am. There’s something about the shared experiences, the long hours, and the physical and mental demands we endure together that creates a bond unlike any other. When the pressure gets overwhelming, and self-doubt creeps in, they are the ones who lift me up and remind me of my strength. I’ve had moments where I’ve felt completely drained, unsure if I could keep going, questioning if I was even capable. But my military friends never let me stay in that space for long. They’ve been there to remind me of everything I’ve accomplished and the hard work I’ve put in to get to where I am. They know how to read between the lines, sensing when I need a pep talk. The military culture fosters this tight-knit environment, where we’re trained not only to face challenges head-on but to “embrace the suck” together. Regardless of the grueling conditions, there’s this unspoken understanding that we’re in it as a team. In the military, we learn to rely on each other because, at the end of the day, we’re stronger together. My friends have this incredible way of making me feel seen and understood, offering support without judgment. They’re the ones who help me regain my focus, encouraging me to trust in myself again. Whether it’s sharing a laugh after a rough day or offering a shoulder to lean on, they keep me sane when everything else feels chaotic. Through their support, I’m reminded of who I am, what I’m capable of, and why I keep pushing forward.

More recently, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the combined demands of school, ROTC, and preparing for swim competitions. I had been pushing myself to excel in all areas, but as the pressure kept building, I felt like I was constantly on edge. It reached a point where I knew I needed help, so I reached out to my swim coach. He has always been someone I trust, and after noticing I wasn’t my usual self in practice, he pulled me aside. He encouraged me to be open about how I was feeling, and he helped me realize it was okay to step back and take a breather. Together, we adjusted my training schedule to allow more time for recovery. My teammates were incredibly supportive as well; always there to listen when I needed to vent. Leaning on them, both in and out of the pool, made me feel less alone in facing these challenges. The care I received felt like being seen and heard in a way that reminded me I didn’t have to carry the weight of everything on my own. Both my swim team and the Army had systems of care in place, but it took the people within those systems—my coach, teammates, and fellow soldiers—to help me navigate them. This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of asking for help and the strength in community support. It also reinforced that true leadership includes knowing when to pause, take care of yourself, and lean on the people around you for support.