SHOW NOTES:
This episode features Tracy Mehr-Muska, a 1996 graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. In this episode, you’ll hear how the Academy really challenged Tracy’s identity in a variety of ways; how several complicated situations ultimately resulted in her having to pivot her career out of the Coast Guard far earlier than she had initially planned; and how she eventually was able to translate the lessons she learned into meaningful work as a pastor with a special focus on working with people nearing the end of life. Enjoy the show!
KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
- Having an idealistic view of what the Academy and military life would be like
- Feeling like her identity was challenged in a variety of ways at the Academy
- Dealing with sexual harassment
- Feeling powerless
- Making the decision to leave the Coast Guard before he commitment was up
- Regret and shame over her decisions
- Building a life that utilizes the lessons she learned in a meaningful way
0:45 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?
1:52 PART I:
- What made you choose a Service Academy – and what made you specifically choose the U.S. Coast Guard Academy?
- Was it common at your school for people to consider going to an Academy?
- How did your family respond to your desire to attend an Academy?
- What did you think you’d be doing post graduation?
- Participating in the AIM program prior to attending.
- How was the application process for you?
7:15 PART II:
- If you had to sum up your time at the Academy in one word, what would it be?
- Tell me about your first day and first summer.
- How was the transition into the academic year?
- Do you feel like you made good connections during SWAB summer?
15:30 PART III:
- What were some of the highlights of your time at the Academy?
- Did any experiences give you clarity about what you wanted to do post-graduation?
- The highlight of great friendships she made with other women in her class.
- Let’s dive into some of the lowlights.
26:15:48 PART IV:
- Do you think you went into the Academy a little idealistic?
- Did you desire to stay at the Academy ever waiver?
- What was the plan as you approached graduation?
- Her short stint in the Coast Guard and her decision to leave.
38:48 PART V:
- What happened when you decided to suddenly get out of the Coast Guard?
- Finding a work environment that valued what she brought to the table.
- Going to seminary full time.
47:25 CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
- What happened when you got out of the seminary?
- What’s next for you?
- How do you currently feel about your decision to attend an Academy?
- 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?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MehrMuska/
Twitter: @MehrMuska
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmehrmuska
Website: https://mehrmuska.wordpress.com/
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
In addition, if you enjoy what you heard here today, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review. And if you’d like to be featured on an upcoming episode, please feel free to submit your contact information on our website here.
Like, share, rate, subscribe. Thanks!!
Find us on iTunes!
Add comment