In this podcast episode, Desaree Edwards shares her inspiring journey from a low-income background to serving as a nuclear mechanic in the US Navy. Desaree highlights the importance of leadership and trust within the military, her transition to civilian life, and her pursuit of education at Wesleyan University, where she discovered her passion for neuroscience and human rights advocacy. She also shares her journey to law school, her aspirations in the anti-trafficking field, and offers valuable advice for those navigating their own career paths.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Desiree Edwards
03:11 Journey to the Navy and Submarine Service
06:11 Nuclear Submarine Training Overview
09:10 Deployment Experiences and Challenges
12:07 Qualifying as a Nuclear Mechanic
15:07 Deciding to Transition Out of the Military
18:05 Leadership Lessons from the Submarine Experience
26:04 Restoring Trust in Leadership
29:37 Navigating Academic Choices and Personal Growth
31:25 Building Community as a Female Veteran
35:02 The Experience of Commuting to Campus
37:42 Engaging in Human Rights Advocacy
42:02 Preparing for Law School and Future Aspirations
49:09 Advice for Career Exploration and Growth
Additional Resources