 If things had gone as planned, I would have my gouchers in science and biomedical sciences and currently be in medical school. Instead, I've been my senior year of nursing school. I spent four years playing in Division I support. I helped found a student club for veterans and I started playing hockey. I've since been a drill sergeant school and gone to basic training to help train brand new soldiers. I've been provided with opportunities to talk about my experiences and the hope that it will encourage other veterans to do the same. One of my friends recently sent me a picture that I think really explains the way that I feel. It was a picture of a bowl that had been broken but it was fixed now. There was gold in the cracks. Underneath the red, kids to chloride. To repair with gold. The art of repairing pottery with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken. Not only was I completely humbled that she associated me with the process but it also transformed the way that I view myself. Yes, I feel broken but I think I've turned my brokenness into something better. So, happy Veterans Day and remember if you let PTSD grow in your life, the terror is with.