This article was contributed by Norma Smith, Northern Virginia Campus Arts & Sciences Program Director
When Joseph L. Erskine served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he embraced the motto drilled into him: Follow the plan of the day. This same plan and mentality still motivates the Navy veteran today as he pursues his studies at ECPI University’s Northern Virginia campus.
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Joseph was born a twin, but lost his brother as an infant. He grew up a special needs child in school until seventh grade. No stranger to adversity, he credits overcoming those early days to prayer; namely the strong spiritual guidance of his grandmother. When he joined JROTC in high school, he felt he had found a new home. The camaraderie was uplifting and appealing. He joined the Navy and served for 23 years, but in 2010 was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD].
Joseph was determined to rebuild his life. At the direction of physicians, he attended a salon professional services school, and through vocational rehabilitation and physical therapy, he began to improve. He also learned to manage his Type 2 diabetes with the help of a personal trainer and a healthy lifestyle.
While Joseph works daily to cope with PTSD, one would never know it. His laugh and vibrant personality is infectious.
“I’m a giver,” he says with a smile. Furthermore, it is the positive energy he loves most about ECPI University. “I feel the same camaraderie amongst our veterans as I did when I was serving. I love to be surrounded by people who love what they do.”
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When asked how he juggles everything in his life, he offers this advice to fellow students: “It’s easy, just follow the plan of the day!”