Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 11: It’s Not About the Leash: Finding Calm Through Community Connection

Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 11: It’s Not About the Leash: Finding Calm Through Community Connection

Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with UMGC student and nonprofit leader Sharon Grassi to explore her profound transition from a corporate career to becoming a full-time caregiver for her combat medic son. Sharon opens up about the "mama bear" advocacy required to navigate the VA healthcare maze, the loss of her professional identity, and the pivotal moment a paracord dog leash sparked a new mission. Sharon explains the science behind her nonprofit, Co-Op Survival, revealing how the simple rhythm of weaving leashes provides bilateral brain stimulation that helps veterans and caregivers lower stress and connect. She also discusses her return to education as a Pillars of Strength scholar, proving that even after life-altering setbacks, it is possible to find a new tribe, a new degree, and a renewed sense of self. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro and The Leash  01:48 Becoming a Caregiver  05:09 The Turning Point  07:40 Navigating The VA Maze  10:59 The Mama Bear Advocate  12:43 Leaving Corporate Life  17:34 The Dog Leash Origin  24:27 The Science of Healing  32:13 A New Academic Path  39:12 Finding Your Tribe

Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 10: Boots to Books: Finishing Strong with Ehsan Jamshidi

Host Nathan James sits down with Marine veteran and UMGC alumnus, Ehsan Jamshidi to trace a journey that begins in Afghanistan and evolves into a life of service, study, and purpose in the United States. Ehsan shares how his mother’s sacrifice and the challenge of learning English shaped his mindset, why the Marine Corps Embassy Security Program became a proving ground, and how discipline, attention to detail, and gratitude guided each decision along the way. He recounts the 2021 Kabul evacuation turning personal when his own family needed a way out, then describes rebuilding after medical retirement, transitioning into a Department of Defense role, and finishing both a bachelor’s and a master’s with top grades. The conversation highlights practical lessons for veterans and adult learners, why it's important to use every resource, keep your network active, and move forward with steady routines that compound over time.  His incredible story of perseverance and his commitment to excellence in the classroom earned him the 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the Year award.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Nathan James Guest: Ehsan Jamshidi, Marine veteran and 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the Year Time Stamps:  00:00 Kabul crisis response 01:11 New country start 04:24 Mother fuels grit 07:23 Choosing purposeful service 11:28 Embassy duty momentum 14:46 Family rescue mission 19:01 Medical setback reset 23:28 Defense career pivot 27:11 Degrees driving gratitude 31:09 Forward focused advice

Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 9: Commencement Episode: The Stories Behind the Degrees

Welcome to a special edition of Unstoppable Stories. May is a special time of the year for students – especially those who will earn their degrees and officially graduate. This week, we’re excited to share interviews from several UMGC graduates from around the globe as they tell their stories and offer advice on what made their journeys a success. As with most of our students who manage work, family life, military service, and more on the road to earning their degree, you will love these genuine clips of these graduates from UMGC locations worldwide. From Asia and Europe to stateside, these unstoppable stories will give you insights and inspiration as you pursue your own educational goals. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable Time Stamps:  00:00 Introduction  00:39 Kiwamu  02:15 Ashley  03:16 Frederick  04:49 Donald  06:01 Abigail  07:29 Scott  08:39 Jackie  10:16 Pamela  11:55 Jasmin  14:04 Daniel  16:07 Nikkia  17:10 Conclusion

Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 8: Ask, Listen, Adapt: Pathways to Cyber Confidence w/ Tamila Urumbaeva

Host Nathan James sits down with UMGC cybersecurity graduate, Tamila Urumbaeva, to trace a move from Uzbekistan to the United States, a seven year stretch apart from her father, and the decision to rebuild in a new language and culture. She explains the hardest early hurdle, communicating with care across cultures, and how asking good questions, listening closely, and adjusting tone in real time became a daily practice.  Tamila shares how she chose cybersecurity, earned an Excellence in Cybersecurity award at community college, transferred to UMGC for the online fit, stacked credentials like CompTIA Security Plus, and balanced four jobs with school through disciplined routines and honest burnout recovery. She also reflects on launching leadership with Women in Cybersecurity, the confidence of conference community, and a vision to secure systems and inspire more women to enter the field.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Nathan James Guest: Tamila Urumbaeva, Cybersecurity Specialist, UMGC alumnus Time Stamps & Show Notes:  (00:00 - 00:50) Cybersecurity Impact (00:50 - 02:59) Delay and move (03:00 - 05:12) Culture shock (05:13 - 08:10) Choosing cyber (08:11 - 10:34) Early wins (10:35 - 13:10) UMGC fit (13:11 - 16:35) Four jobs (16:36 - 19:49) Burnout reset (19:50 - 24:15) WiCyS leadership (24:16 - 27:08) Never give up (27:09 - 30:59) Community and close

Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 7: Fairways and Friendships, Lessons Beyond the Score with Ben Thapa

Host Nathan James sits down with systems engineer and UMGC alumnus, Ben Thapa to trace the thread from Nepal to night classes, from a first IT role to a multi decade career built on routine, persistence, and family support. Ben explains how early mornings, long commutes, and library nights created momentum, and why staying curious kept doors opening at work and at school. He shares the story behind playing golf in all 50 states and on every continent, including a bucket list swing in Antarctica, and how the real goal was never the scorecard but the friendships and check ins that followed. Along the way he highlights the master’s decision, the campus resources that helped, and a people first mindset that turns busy schedules into lasting community. Listen for lessons on structure, gratitude, and connection that apply far beyond the fairway. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Nathan James Guest: Ben Thapa, Systems Engineer, Author, UMGC alumnus Time Stamps & Show Notes:  (00:00 - 00:22) People first (00:22 - 00:53) Welcome (00:54 - 03:10) Golf origins (03:11 - 05:04) Work and UMGC (05:05 - 09:12) Daily grind (09:13 - 12:34) Family view (12:35 - 16:08) First IT role (16:09 - 20:32) Master’s decision (20:33 - 24:10) 50 states, 7 continents (24:11 - 29:39) Staying in touch (29:40 - 32:43) Connection over loneliness (32:44 - 33:32) Gratitude and close