When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a veterinarian, but when my dog died and I realized that the vet couldn't save her life, I changed my mind. Math was always my favorite subject and it came easy for me, so pursuing a degree in mathematics seemed obvious. I initially decided to become a teacher, and taught for four years at Indiana Area Junior High School. I also earned my Masters in Math during that time while attending night school and summer classes. However, I quickly became bored with teaching and decided to try something different.

With no real career choice in mind, I joined the Navy to stall for four years until I could decide what I wanted to do with my life. I completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and was commissioned an Ensign in March 1983. My first duty station was VT 86 in Pensacola, FL. I applied for the Aerospace Maintenance Officer program and was fortunate to be selected, thanks to my degrees in math. Aerospace maintenance is a technical field and math majors are able to compete and succeed against engineers and science majors.

I have completed 25 years now and enjoyed tours in operational squadrons, intermediate maintenance activities, engineering units, and headquarters.

I have been stationed in places that I never would have dreamed of seeing. Look for Diego Garcia on the globe (in the middle of the Indian Ocean) and you will see what I mean.