Ashley Ross is a first-year Nursing student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her mom was in the Army Reserves, and her dad was enlisted in the Navy. Now they both work for the government. “I’ve seen how well the government takes care of its citizens and employees, including the local nationals from host overseas countries,” she says. Ashley’s career goal is to get a degree in nursing, spend some time working for the Peace Corps, and then join a military branch of service, and follow in her parents’ footsteps.

Ashley has recently joined the UNC women’s rugby team, and feels that “nothing makes you feel better than knowing you helped out an individual or your community.” Ashley played soccer and cross-country with her friend Kristine throughout high school, and they took most of their classes together. “She’s been a very positive influence in my life, and I saw my GPA rise over the years the closer we’ve gotten.” Ashley thanks her friend for inspiring her success.