Military spouse hopes to pay it forward during nursing career Thanks to a Support Our Troops scholarship, Jessica Couture is set to graduate nursing school next month and credits her success to hard work, determination, and supportive CAF community. Jessica Couture is a 12-year military spouse, mother, and dedicated nursing student set to graduate next month. Jessica spent many years as a stay at home mom. When she re-entered the workforce in a medical administrator role, she realized her dreams of becoming a nurse. While working in a patient-facing position during the COVID-19 pandemic and recognizing the growing need for nurses, Jessica took a leap of faith, and applied to the Loyalist College Practical Nursing Program and was accepted. She first heard of the Support Our Troops National Scholarship Program through a social media group for Canadian military spouses. “When I received the email that I was a successful applicant I was so excited and very humbled,” says Jessica. “It was overwhelming to know that the awards committee could see the immense effort I put into all aspects of my life, especially volunteering. I was proud to be among the recipients of the scholarships, and wanted to continue to do everything possible to make the military community proud.” The Support Our Troops Scholarship Program works to remove barriers that arise for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families when pursuing post-secondary education. “In the military world where we spend a lot of time separated from extended family, as well as the military members, it’s really rewarding to be acknowledged for the accomplishments we achieve in spite of family dynamics imposed by military service,” says Jessica. “Military family members are the invisible support behind the uniform, and it is humbling to be recognized in this way.” Jessica was able to learn about the Support Our Troops National Scholarship program through her CAF community, and is now slated to graduate from the Practical Nursing Program this spring. “The CAF community is a community like no other,” says Jessica. “These are the people who understand your circumstances, know your struggles, and show up for you when you really need them. Your friends become family, and together you face all things military life throws at you. The CAF community is strong, brave, and dedicated; without this community a military family would be lost. The CAF is successful because the CAF community exists. Through the good and the bad, if you have a community around you, success is possible.” The Support Our Troops National Scholarship Program is now accepting applications. For eligibility information and to apply, visit: https://www.supportourtroops.ca/Get-Support/Education/Scholarships until July 21, 2023, at 5 p.m. EST.