My name is Tiara Young and I served for five years as an avionics calibration technician in the Marine Corps. For me, Veterans Day is a reminder of not only my time in service but also of those who served this country before me. I am a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and come from a history of service members. My great-great-grandfather voluntarily served in World War I when Indigenous peoples were not yet claimed citizens of the United States. I had zero obligations before I put pen to paper, other than I knew I wanted nothing more than to be a Marine and serve my country just like many of the men and women in my family have. My time in the Corps allowed me to gain a newfound perspective of the world around me, and how I want to continue to serve others.

I gained unforgettable experiences that allowed me to build a foundation of what it truly means to be a great leader. I learned confidence during the unknown, a bearing that is seamlessly unbreakable, and most importantly inherited one night on November 10th when Marines around the world put on our dress blues to celebrate our birthday. The years I spent serving were undeniably challenging, but I chose to use this time as a constant stride toward growth. I met people from all over the world, each with our own different experiences and perspectives, that I can now call my lifelong friends. Although I enjoyed my time as a Marine, my experiences lead me to question how I could reconstruct myself and become directly involved with communities that have impacted me. Now that I am at Brown I am grateful for the opportunities that made life limitless, and to appreciate the values I learned in the Corps that modeled what it means to be selfless.

Earning the title of “veteran” has had a meaningful impact on my life. It is a title I am most proud of. When I think about what it means to have served, I think about service before self. The Marine Corps takes pride in being there for one another and always having each other’s backs. It is about shared values, honor, courage and commitment. It is taking an oath that we, myself and fellow veterans, will “support and defend the Constitution.” Lastly, it is about sacrifice. It is about serving others for the common goal of living in a free world, made possible by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I am proud to have served after, and alongside with, some of America’s greatest and bravest men and women. My five years in the Marine Corps has improved my leadership abilities, encouraged my personal growth, and allowed me to become a role model. I have gained the utmost confidence in my abilities to excel in my professional life, education, and career, which would have never been made possible without my time in the military. My goal while at Brown is to teach my fellow students about the military and what it means to be a veteran. I hope my story can inspire others, as well as simply spark a conversation.