Halberstadt says that she wants to finish her culinary studies when she returns from serving, possibly complementing her culinary degree with a master’s degree in business and hospitality.
Beyond uniforms
One unique facet of her life is the juxtaposition her diverse interests create, namely her love for pageantry. She says that many people have a difficult time wrapping their minds around the idea. “They can’t believe that I have both worlds,” Halberstadt said. “But it’s so much fun … and it gets me out of the military world.” Pageantry is something that Halberstadt would suggest to any young woman for the diverse opportunities the experience offers. She credits it with building her selfconfidence and communication skills. Her interest in pageantry was prompted by a solicitation letter offering her the opportunity to compete. As with all her pursuits, she aspired to compete on a grand scale, demonstrating her independent, yet bubbly, personality — qualities her mother says she’s exhibited since she was young.
“She has always been a headstrong individual and would always keep trying to succeed regardless of the obstacle. Never tell her she can’t do something,” said Hawes. “She will push herself that much harder to do it just to prove you wrong. She knows that anything is possible when you push yourself.” Halberstadt would also readily recommend the military to others. She said the experience makes one view life in a different way, especially when it comes to things that people may normally consider trivial. “I will never take the smallest things for granted anymore,” Halberstadt said. “The smallest things being a pillow or running water or a real fork instead of a plastic one.” She says being away from home and facing the dangers of war make soldiers reassess what is important. “When I am walking in uniform and people stop me and shake my hand or thank me for my service, I sometimes don’t really know what to say,” she said. “I am just doing my duty. I don’t really see myself as being a hero. I am just doing my job.”
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New Patients Welcome august 2010 • she magazine
Laura LaSell, FNP
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