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My name is Miguel Rivas and my goal is to finish my education and become a Physician’s Assistant. I need this scholarship, to help pay for my education. Currently, I get some family support and receive benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill, but this is simply not enough to pay for everything getting an education requires.
I served in the United States Army from October 2003 to October 2007 as a combat medic or “Health Care Specialist” for the infantry in
Friedberg,
Germany. I trained as a soldier in
Louisville,
Kentucky and as a medic in
San Antonio,
Texas. I did one fourteen-month tour of
Iraq, from January, 2006 though February, 2007. In the service, I worked as a platoon medic for thirty-five people and conducted foot patrols on a daily basis in Tal Afar and Ramadi. Our unit, the First Armored Division, was the first to enter the city of
Ramadi and set up observation posts. Until that time, the Marines and National Guard had not ventured too far into the city, because it was too dangerous.
 .
When we redeployed to
Germany, we started, and finished the process to disband the unit. My role changed to being a team leader in a squad of a medic platoon. My responsibilities were to resolve any issues my soldiers had and to accomplish the daily missions we received. These missions ranged from medial training to the continued effort to disband the unit. I left the service on terminal leave in September, 2007 and began my first quarter at De Anza a few days later. I am currently in my second quarter here and hope to transfer to the
University of
Los Angeles or
San Diego in three years.
I am currently living in
San Jose with my family but our financial resources are limited. My family bought a new mobile home to replace the current mobile home, which was made in the late 60’s. We are now living with relatives until the new home is properly installed. I am adjusting to life as a civilian. My current everyday challenges are welcomed as they remind me that we live in a country of freedom. I know that I once protected the way of life for Americans when I served for the armed forces and now I get to enjoy those benefits as others protect my way of life. I want to be a leader in the health care industry by becoming a Physician’s Assistant and helping those in need.
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