I am mainly involved in Gamma Iota Sigma, the professional insurance fraternity at Illinois State. I was director of volunteer efforts, so I coordinated Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life, two events that really made a difference for the community.

You went to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina as a member of the National Guard. Can you describe this experience?

I really enjoy helping people, and this opportunity came up. Looking back, we changed peoples' lives. We didn't clean up much of the remains, but we patrolled the streets to keep those who stayed safe. I am glad I got the opportunity to help out because that is a huge topic in the insurance industry.

What kind of emotions are you feeling as you prepare to deploy for Afghanistan in August? What are your plans when you return?

I have mixed emotions. I see the end of the tunnel for school, and now I have to leave for a year. I am excited to go and serve my country, and I am nervous to leave my friends and loved ones. I plan on finishing my degree in insurance, and then get a job. I am also going to buy a house with the money I save over there.

I thank Claims Magazine for the interview and the scholarship. It means the world to me that there are organizations out there that want to help out young minds like me.