Everyday at noon throughout #WomensHistoryMonth we are highlighting another woman serving in the 18th Airborne Corps today.
If you've been following the series, by now you know that we have some really impressive Soldiers. Case in point: Saleena Dodson.
[1 of 9]
If you've been following the series, by now you know that we have some really impressive Soldiers. Case in point: Saleena Dodson.
[1 of 9]
[2 of 9]
Saleena is an Army Sergeant, an active duty logistics specialist. But you can call her Dr. Dodson: last year she earned a PhD in epidemiology from Temple in her spare time.
We told Saleena's story this past summer, but it's even more inspirational than we understood.
Saleena is an Army Sergeant, an active duty logistics specialist. But you can call her Dr. Dodson: last year she earned a PhD in epidemiology from Temple in her spare time.
We told Saleena's story this past summer, but it's even more inspirational than we understood.
[3 of 9]
So, how did this Soldier achieve such an incredible academic feat while serving? Let's back up.
Saleena grew up in a rough neighborhood on Walnut Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey.
That's her on the right at age 4.
So, how did this Soldier achieve such an incredible academic feat while serving? Let's back up.
Saleena grew up in a rough neighborhood on Walnut Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey.
That's her on the right at age 4.
[4 of 9]
A straight A student and a top athlete, she graduated valedictorian from her high school. Her twin sister Shalese also graduated at the top of the class.
The city newspaper published an article about all the two overcame together, coming from tough circumstances.
A straight A student and a top athlete, she graduated valedictorian from her high school. Her twin sister Shalese also graduated at the top of the class.
The city newspaper published an article about all the two overcame together, coming from tough circumstances.
[5 of 9]
Saleena then earned a degree in biology from Rutgers.
Then, while working toward her master's degree from Rutgers, Saleena did something she always wanted to do: join the Army.
She put her master's on hold during basic training.
Saleena then earned a degree in biology from Rutgers.
Then, while working toward her master's degree from Rutgers, Saleena did something she always wanted to do: join the Army.
She put her master's on hold during basic training.
[6 of 9]
When she had access to her cell phone after hours during Advanced Individual Training (AIT), she started cranking out her master's degree online at night on her phone.
Everyday she went through AIT during the day, then knocked out school work on her phone until 2AM.
When she had access to her cell phone after hours during Advanced Individual Training (AIT), she started cranking out her master's degree online at night on her phone.
Everyday she went through AIT during the day, then knocked out school work on her phone until 2AM.
[7 of 9]
When she arrived at the 18th Airborne Corps, the next natural step was a PhD.
She chose to study public health because of her experience growing up in an urban neighborhood with limited access to high-nutrient food.
When she arrived at the 18th Airborne Corps, the next natural step was a PhD.
She chose to study public health because of her experience growing up in an urban neighborhood with limited access to high-nutrient food.
[8 of 9]
So, while serving full time, she did doctoral research on the correlation between bodegas in urban communities and childhood obesity.
To combat childhood obesity, Saleena advocates for greater access to fresh, healthy foods in cities like Trenton.
So, while serving full time, she did doctoral research on the correlation between bodegas in urban communities and childhood obesity.
To combat childhood obesity, Saleena advocates for greater access to fresh, healthy foods in cities like Trenton.
[END]
Saleena Dodson is a heartening example of the spirit of the 18th Airborne to all of us (and a reminder that we can do more!).
In many ways, however, she is representative of the kind of Soldier serving in your 18th Airborne Corps today.
Saleena Dodson is a heartening example of the spirit of the 18th Airborne to all of us (and a reminder that we can do more!).
In many ways, however, she is representative of the kind of Soldier serving in your 18th Airborne Corps today.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
