SHOW NOTES:
This episode features Erika Chapman, a 2018 graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. In this episode, you’ll hear about Erika’s constant pursuit to look beyond herself and have a positive impact on the people around her. As a basketball recruit from Texas, she faced a variety of challenges that tested her throughout her 4 years at the Academy, including multiple injuries and a lengthy legal battle that required her to sit out for most of her first two seasons. But Erika views each of these hurdles as an important piece of her development and is now thriving in her career as a Logistics Readiness Officer, while also serving as a support for minorities at the Academy. You’re definitely going to enjoy the positive outlook she brings to the conversation. Enjoy the show!
KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
- Considering the impact she’d like to have beyond her athletic career.
- Having to refocus after a season ending injury.
- Making the decision to file a sexual assault claim.
- Her pursuit to have an impact on minority groups in the military.
0:53 INTRODUCTION:
- Can you tell everyone where you’re from? What school you went to and when you graduated?
- Can you give everyone 1-2 lines about who you are?
2:05 PART I:
- What made you choose a Service Academy – and what made you specifically choose the U.S. Air Force Academy?
- Being a basketball recruit and wanting to play at the next level
- Learning from her dad – a 30-year veteran in the air force.
- What did you witness growing up that had a huge impact on you?
- Considering the impact she’d like to have beyond basketball.
11:05 PART II:
- If you had to sum up your time at the Academy in one word, what would it be?
- How was the first day and the first summer?
- How did your academic year go?
- What were some of the highlights of your time at the Academy?
- What were your goals while you were at the Academy?
- Did you know what you wanted to do post graduation?
21:00 PART III:
- What were some of the major lowlights for you at the Academy?
- Having a season ending injury and traumatic experience while in surgery.
- Redirecting her priorities.
- Going through a length sexual assault legal battle.
31:50 PART IV:
- When were you able to get back to basketball?
- Needing another surgery while at the Academy.
- How did your senior year go?
- Did it ever cross your mind to leave the Academy?
39:00 PART V:
- How did you feel when you found out you were going to be a Logistics Readiness Officer?
- How was the transition from Academy life to Eglin Air Force Base?
- How do you see your time at the Academy influencing the way you’re showing up in your career?
- Her role at USAFA Way of Life (WOL).
- What was your experience being a black woman at the Academy?
52:00 CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
- How do you currently feel about your decision to attend an Academy?
- What’s next for you?
- Do you have any parting words for listeners? Perhaps a key message to your fellow Service Academy sisters?
- What’s one random fun fact about you?
- Where can people reach you?
Instagram: @erikahh21
Twitter: @eRIKaChap21
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-chapman-8314b5144/
Website: https://www.usafawol.com/about/
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