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For Nadine Hudson ’18, serving in the was a dream, though, she says, it initially felt like a “pipe dream.” Even after earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and considering her career possibilities, she continued to dream of joining the U.S. Air Force.

After graduation, Hudson explored a number of different roles. She worked at a crime scene cleanup company, as well as a nonprofit that served both perpetrators of violence and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She soon realized that if she could get as far as she did in law enforcement, perhaps joining the Air Force was indeed possible. So, she went for it.

Hudson is now living her dream, serving in the U.S. Air Force as an assistant dedicated crew chief. Based at in Arizona, she is a maintainer who ensures that her assigned aircraft is always ready to fly. Whether she’s changing tires or performing safety inspections, she loves the opportunities she has to be part of a team.

“I like that every day is a little different and that I can be a part of something much bigger than me,” said Hudson. “I get to have a more direct role in keeping my nation safe. That's such an awesome feeling. I am part of a greater cause, and I love tangibly realizing that my role, while it might seem small, is significant.”

‘I don't think I could have found a better fit’

Teamwork has always been an important part of Hudson’s life. Whether she was volunteering, playing basketball, or playing viola in an orchestra, she has enjoyed collaborating with others to achieve something even greater. Teamwork, she says, has not only long been among her core values, it has also inspired her in a variety of ways, both large and microscopic.

“Consider my interest in biology – the study of life and how all these different components work together to make an organism function,” she explains. “It is like teamwork on an automated, organic level.

“Teamwork is important to me,” she continued. “Achievement is also important to me. Good character is important to me. Interestingly, the Air Force's core values are Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. I don't think I could have found a better fit!”

‘Opportunities to grow as a leader’

As a �鶹AV, Hudson enjoyed making connections and being a part of a larger community, including intramural sports, where she and her teammates charged to victory on the basketball court. Her time at the University brought her into the laboratory, to a variety of , and, even, into the Charlie the �鶹AV mascot costume. The experiences she had, says Hudson, were fun while also immensely rewarding.

“I also was fortunate enough to be a part of the President's Public Service Fellowship, which was probably the most enriching experience I had,” she said. “I got to explore different parts of New Haven that I would otherwise never see while giving back to the community. I also met tons of awesome people, including my roommate who is now a friend for life. That alone is priceless.”

A leader in the �鶹AV community, Hudson led Bible study groups on campus. She also began serving as a Resident Assistant during her second semester, and she continued to serve her classmates in that role throughout her time as a �鶹AV.

“While at University of New Haven, I had a lot of opportunities to grow as a leader of my peers,” she said. “Being a Resident Assistant challenged me to be a person of good character everywhere I went and to care about the people around me. I learned to be invested in my environment and to take responsibility for the atmosphere I was in. I feel that my time at the University has helped me to be a more well-rounded, resilient, flexible, and informed member of society.”

‘I possess the ability to learn’

In addition to the close friendships she formed with her classmates, Hudson also developed close connections with several of her professors. She is especially grateful for the support of her forensic science professors Lisa Dadio M.S., MSW and Virginia Maxwell, D.Phil., who she describes as experts in their field who were also kind and approachable. Hudson has stayed in touch with both of them after she graduated, and they offered their guidance and support.

Hudson continues to draw on their support, as well as what she learned during her time at the University. She believes her degree in forensic science has been invaluable. Even though her work now focuses on handling aircraft instead of evidence, she says the attention to detail and the ability to focus on a task have helped her to soar.

“I don't have any regrets,” she said. “I have learned that being able to get a degree is a privilege and that it is challenging, but it also shows that no matter what challenges I faced in completing it, I did it. Therefore, no matter what new hurdles I encounter, I possess the ability to learn. With that kind of outlook, the sky is no longer the limit.”

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this story are Hudson’s own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.