GIJOBs

OCT 2017

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44 G.I. JOBS | OCTOBER 2017 | GIJOBS.COM "Upon my initial meet- ing and conversation with Laura, it was clear that this poised, focused and tenacious woman would be highly successful in any endeavor she pursued. She is a truly outstanding human being," remarked Davis. A HEALING ENVIRONMENT "I got help in ways that I never thought a school could help me; I never knew there were so many organizations and resources available. Choose your environment wisely. Chose your education endeavors wisely," Tolver advises fellow vets. "Do not just go somewhere because they have your major and take the GI Bill." Now, able to face what she endured and recog- nize that she is no longer a victim, but a survivor, she speaks at campus events and counsels others who have been assaulted. "For those who may have experienced assault, I say, do not be silent. Speak. My true healing came when I was 100 percent hon- est about what happened to me," Tolver explained. "Every time I talk about it, and I have someone hug me and say, 'thank you,' or someone tells me their own story – there is some- thing healing in that." Rather than weakening her, Laura's experiences seem to have only made her a better nurse, one who is deeply and personally qualified to care for and help heal others' minds and bodies. Laura graduat- ed from the Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden with honors, and is now pursu- ing her doctor of nursing practice degree. She also works at Cooper University Hospital as a Trauma ICU nurse. SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENT After completing a multi- round application process, Tolver was named a 2017 Pat Tillman Scholar. She is one of only five nursing stu- dents in the country (and one of only 61 total students) to earn this highly competitive award. Tillman was a well- known NFL player who put his career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold after the 9/11 attacks to defend his country in the War on Terror, ultimately losing his life in Afghanistan. The Pat Tillman Foundation awards finan- cial scholarships to military veterans and spouses who show extraordinary academic and leadership potential, a true sense of vocation, and a deep commitment to create positive change through their work. IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS Tolver is quick to credit her success to her family, friends, therapist and pastor, all of whom she relies on for ongoing support and encouragement. "I spent a lot of time feeling sorry for myself and identifying myself by the hurt I have endured. The minute I was able to get myself out of that box was the minute I was able to choose happi- ness and recognize that my purpose in life was greater than sitting on my bathroom floor crying over my past," remarked Tolver. "That shift is very attainable to anyone. I'm not special or lucky. I'm a girl with two dead parents and a host of other issues ... but I'm nevertheless blessed, humbled and grateful." GRAD STUDENT VETERAN Laura Tolver Age: 30 (on Sept. 11) Branch: Marine Corps Years of Service: 2011-2013 Rank: Lance Corporal (E-3) MOS: Aircraft Mechanic Employer: Cooper University Hospital Job Title: Trauma ICU Nurse Education: • Bachelor's degree, Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden * , 2016 • Earning Doctor of Nursing Practice, Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden, expected May 2019 Fred Davis, Campus Director for Rutgers' Office of Veterans Affairs *School is a paid advertiser in this issue.

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