U.S. Army Veteran | Graduate Student, Master of Social Work
Sergeant | All-Source Intelligence Analyst

#WomenWhoServeAndSupport | #StudentsWhoServeAndSupport

Taryn’s time in the Army from 2017 to 2021 profoundly changed her life. Military service gave her a stronger sense of purpose and introduced her to incredible people who helped shape her journey. Through the challenges and accomplishments of those years, she came to understand that she was far more capable than she had previously believed.

Deployment was one of the most significant challenges she faced. It pushed her limits in ways she had not anticipated and deepened her appreciation for the friends who stood beside her. The support from both military peers and loved ones outside the service became essential anchors during demanding seasons. Those relationships reinforced that resilience is not built alone; it is strengthened through connection.

The Army’s core value of selfless service left a lasting imprint on Taryn’s identity. That value, along with others she embraced during her service, continues to shape her moral compass. It influenced how she conducted herself while serving and continues to guide her decisions as she moves forward in civilian life. Drawn to the field of social work, she sees her academic path as a continuation of service — an opportunity to support individuals and communities in meaningful ways.

Now pursuing her Master of Social Work at Pacific University, Taryn carries the lessons of discipline, adaptability, and commitment into her education. She understands service not as a single period of life, but as an evolving commitment to helping others.

Her message to those in similar positions reflects both humility and strength: you are capable of so much more than you know. The limits we perceive are often far narrower than the strength we truly possess.

Quote:
 “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo