My name is Dylan, and after serving in the Navy as a Corpsman (combat medic) from 2011 to 2020, I immediately enrolled in college with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. My dream is to provide a higher level of care to veterans, a community I deeply understand as someone who has faced my own mental health challenges. I want to use my experiences to make a difference for others who have served, offering both empathy and skilled care.

Right now, I’m facing a financial gap that threatens to derail my progress. My GI Bill benefits, which are essential for covering my tuition, won’t pay out in time to cover an upcoming monthly payment required by my school. If I can’t make this payment, I’ll fall into delinquent status, be disenrolled, and lose the GI Bill support that’s based on my credit hours. This would not only delay my education but also impact my ability to support my family and continue working toward my goals.

Continuing my education means everything to me. I’ve discovered a passion for teaching patient care skills to my fellow students, and I know that staying on track will set me up for success both mentally and emotionally. I also help care for my mother, who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and often has to miss work due to surgeries. Together with my younger brother, we share a small apartment in Ventura County, doing our best to get by. Any support you can offer will help me stay enrolled, keep my GI Bill benefits, and continue supporting my family and my dream of serving veterans as a nurse.