Graduation: The Beginning of a New Journey
Join me in celebrating the end of one chapter and the start of another graduation
About Dasha's Air Force Academy Experience
The Academy
The Academy
The Academy
I've cherished my time at USAFA. Despite the intense challenges and constant exhaustion, it's been an incredible journey for which I'm deeply grateful. The opportunities it presented were truly remarkable. I learned to fly training planes, competed as a D1 athlete, and traveled to basketball games aboard AF dignitary planes. Exploring eve
I've cherished my time at USAFA. Despite the intense challenges and constant exhaustion, it's been an incredible journey for which I'm deeply grateful. The opportunities it presented were truly remarkable. I learned to fly training planes, competed as a D1 athlete, and traveled to basketball games aboard AF dignitary planes. Exploring every quaint ski town in Colorado was a delight. I picked up new skills like mountain biking, golfing, boxing, rock climbing, marksmanship, and hand-to-hand combat.
Moreover, I had numerous leadership opportunities, such as serving as a Ranger at Philmont for Boy Scouts and guiding backpacking trips. Among the highlights was participating in a summer research program at Columbia University, where I made lifelong friends. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, I aspire to attend Physician Assistant school in the near future.
The Air Force has offered me a position as a Special Contracts Officer at Andrews Air Base in DC, a new chapter I eagerly anticipate starting in August. Of course, there were challenges along the way, as there are in any journey. Yet, I'm immensely thankful for every experience I've had at USAFA and deeply appreciate the support of everyone who contributed to my journey. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
Basketball
The Academy
The Academy
Over the past four years at the Air Force Academy, I've had the privilege of playing Division I basketball in the Mountain West Conference. This experience has allowed me to travel extensively across the West Coast, visiting states such as California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. The opportunities to explore new places and compete at a h
Over the past four years at the Air Force Academy, I've had the privilege of playing Division I basketball in the Mountain West Conference. This experience has allowed me to travel extensively across the West Coast, visiting states such as California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. The opportunities to explore new places and compete at a high level have been incredibly rewarding.
One of the highlights of my collegiate basketball career occurred last Thanksgiving break when we traveled to Hawaii for a tournament. Spending a week playing basketball in such a picturesque setting was an unforgettable experience, and it was even more special because I got to share it with my teammates.
Playing basketball at this level has also been instrumental in teaching me valuable life skills. I've learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability—skills that I am confident will serve me well in my military career and beyond.
Biology
The Academy
Biology
Choosing to study biology at the USAFA allowed me to explore a wide array of disciplines within the biological sciences, from ecology and cellular biology to marine life and human health. This broad approach has not only enriched my understanding of the natural world but has also deepened my appreciation of our place as humans within th
Choosing to study biology at the USAFA allowed me to explore a wide array of disciplines within the biological sciences, from ecology and cellular biology to marine life and human health. This broad approach has not only enriched my understanding of the natural world but has also deepened my appreciation of our place as humans within the larger context of life on Earth, and potentially beyond.
One of my best memories from the past four years was the summer I spent working at Columbia University. Living and studying in New York, furthering my research, and presenting our findings at various conferences, including in Washington, D.C., was incredibly fulfilling. This experience also enabled me to introduce new lab protocols and research methodologies to the USAFA, enhancing our scientific community. Looking forward, the flexibility of a biology degree in the Air Force primes me for a dynamic career path.
This fall, I plan to pursue a degree in Healthcare Administration, with the ultimate goal of attending Physician Assistant school within the next few years. This trajectory will allow me to combine my scientific background with my commitment to service, expanding my capacity to contribute positively to the health and well-being of others.
My Photo Gallery of The Past 4-Years
Summer Travel
After my graduation on May 30th, the Air Force has generously granted me 60 days of leave before I begin my new assignment in August. I'm excited to use this time to embark on a European adventure, traveling through Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Croatia in June. In July, I will travel through Machu Picchu, and Japan.
This Fall
Washington DC, Andrews Airforce Base
This Fall, I am looking forward to moving to Alexandria Virginia located in the Washington DC area. Alexandria is a fun unique and vibrant neighborhood with history, culture, a great food and entertainment scene and lot of outdoor activities. On the weekends, I plan to get my exercise with running up to the National Mall, passing monuments memorials and museums along the way. Starting August, I will be serving the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant Special Contract Officer stationed at Andrews Air Force base in Maryland which mission is to support Air Force One air transportation, logistics and communications for the president, vice president, cabinet members, and other senior military leaders. In my off time I will be working on getting additional shadowing at Andrews AFB medical facility as part of my PA and MHA school entry requirements. If you are ever in the DC area on the weekend, please stop by for a visit.
Home of Air Force One