A First-Generation Student with Next-Level Ambition

For Navy veteran and first-generation college student Sonia Tamara, returning to the classroom after years of active-duty service was daunting—but the Montgomery College Foundation provided the support she needed to begin again. With the help of a scholarship, Sonia is pursuing a biology degree and preparing for a future focused on healthcare, environmental sustainability, and global impact.

After eight years of active-duty service in the U.S. Navy, Sonia Tamara’s transition to civilian life brought unexpected challenges. A first-generation college student from California, she relocated to Montgomery County to work in the Oncology Critical Care Unit at the National Institutes of Health. While the move marked a new chapter, Sonia quickly realized that continuing her education was essential to achieving her long-term goals.

Returning to a traditional classroom after years away was both academically and financially overwhelming. Choosing Montgomery College to restart her academic journey proved to be a turning point. There, Sonia found a welcoming and supportive environment designed to help nontraditional students succeed.

Through the Combat2College program, Sonia connected with fellow veterans navigating similar transitions, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. She also found inspiration in classmates of all ages and abilities who demonstrated perseverance and a shared commitment to learning. Faculty support played a critical role in her success, with professors providing guidance and flexibility as she rebuilt her foundation in math and English.

Sonia is pursuing an associate’s degree in biological sciences, with a focus on ecology and evolutionary biology. She is particularly interested in how environmental systems influence human health, especially in underserved communities. Recently selected for the STEM Scholars program, Tamara now has access to mentorship, research opportunities, and academic resources that will support her transfer to a four-year institution.

With careful planning, Sonia is saving her Post-9/11 GI Bill for her transfer school while relying on scholarships to support her studies at Montgomery College. She plans to pursue a B.S. program and attend medical school, where she hopes to integrate healthcare with environmental preservation.

Looking ahead, Sonia aspires to establish a clinic in Indonesia that addresses immediate healthcare needs while promoting environmental sustainability. By partnering with organizations such as Alam Sehat Lestari and Health in Harmony, she hopes to create a model that improves public health while supporting ecological restoration.

“This scholarship brings me one step closer to my goals,” Sonia shared. “It alleviates financial stress and allows me to focus on my education.” Thanks to the generosity of Montgomery College Foundation donors, students like Sonia are empowered to transform their lives—and extend that impact far beyond the classroom.