Transitioning from military service to the world of pottery has been a journey of transformation and balance. As a veteran, I developed discipline, precision, and resilience—qualities essential in high-pressure environments. However, after years of structured routines and operational focus, I sought a creative outlet for self-expression and a different kind of challenge. Pottery became that space, offering both meditative calm and the satisfaction of hands-on craftsmanship. Working with clay requires patience and adaptability—skills that, surprisingly, mirror those cultivated in the military. Each piece tells a story of persistence, trial and error, and the ability to shape something meaningful from raw materials. Through this journey, I’ve found that artistry and discipline are not opposing forces but rather complementary aspects of my identity, allowing me to bridge two distinct yet deeply fulfilling worlds.