Heather Cusson
Growing up, I had a wonderful childhood. I had a caring mother at home, an older protective brother, and a father, who was a Vietnam veteran, local police officer and instructor at Monterey Peninsula College. However, as we all know, change is inevitable. At the age of 14, my life transformed dramatically due to my father's alcoholism. In turn, my high school years were full of confusion, fighting, and financial hardships. After my fathers three failed attempts at rehabilitation my parents decided to go their separate ways. During my senior year I turned 18, and my parents concluded I was old enough to take care of myself. These new freedoms lead to many new responsibilities both personally and financially. I increased my work load at Oakdale Veterinary Group where I worked as a veterinary technician in order to pay my bills. Through all of the confusion and hardship, I managed to remain focused, active in school, and graduate with my peers.
After graduation, my father returned from rehab and was unable to care for himself. I took the responsibility of tending to him. He was unable to curb his addiction and quickly returned to his old habits. At this time, I was facing the fact that my father had "drank away "my college fund and I was not going to be able to concentrate on my future studies. I needed a plan. In order to escape my turbulent home life and secure financial support to further my education, I joined the United States Army.
While in the military, I was stationed in Fort Drum, New York, home of the 10th Mountain Division. I achieved the rank of sergeant and my occupation was a trauma specialist. In January 2006 I was deployed to Afghanistan. During the 16 month deployment, I was hand selected to serve as the Brigade Commander's personal security medic, I treated over 250 adult and pediatric traumas involving gun shot/ blast wounds, amputations and severe burns, and was personally recognized for other numerous contributions by the Brigade Command Sergeant Major.
Upon completion of my four year contract with the military in November 2007, I made the decision to pursue my lifelong dream of going to college. I returned to California, and I immediately enrolled for the spring 2008 semester at Monterey Peninsula College. My current education plan is to finish my prerequisites for the Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing and apply during fall 2010. While waiting to get accepted, I will be working on my transfer curriculum to help towards my future long term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I currently maintain a 4.0 grade point average, and last semester, made the "Dean's Highest Honors" list
When I am not busy with school work I like to use my time giving back to the community. I recently participated in the "Susan G. Koman, 3-Day" breast cancer walk in San Francisco and managed to raise over 2,200 dollars for breast cancer research and heightened breast cancer awareness by walking 60 miles in three days though San Francisco. My other volunteer activities include Working with various soldier support organizations, and with distribution of care packages. I also serve food at the local soup kitchens around Monterey County and am a new member to the Veterans of Foreign War organization. Financial assistance from scholarships will allow me to maintain a clear focus on my studies which in turn lead me to reaching my immediate goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.
