Elaine V_From Free Spirit to Military Veteran_How 9/11 changed her trajectory

Elaine Vandiver’s Inspiring Evolution: Free-Spirited College Days to Military Veteran to Thriving Farmer

In this 3-part series of ‘Happiness Unscripted’, host Kristin DeSouza interviews her good friend, Elaine Vandiver. Elaine shares her evolution from a free-spirited college student to combat veteran, turned thriving first-generation farmer and entrepreneur. Elaine operates two complementary agricultural businesses at a historic homestead in Walla Walla, Washington. In today’s episode Elaine shares her early experiences, including how 9/11 changed her trajectory and led her to join the army upon graduation from college while also facing her mother’s cancer diagnosis. Elain details how her military experience helped her gain confidence to know she has the grit to build something of value in life.

Main Takeaways:

·  Sometimes the most unexpected detours become the most meaningful journeys

·  Structure and commitment can provide stability during life's most challenging transitions

·  Military experience taught her she could not only survive difficult situations but transform them into something valuable

This episode explores themes of resilience, unexpected life pivots, and finding purpose through service - both military and agricultural.

Key Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Elaine Vandiver’s Journey

02:16 Elaine’s College Years and Early Aspirations

08.31 The Impact of 9/11 on Elaine’s Life – The first pivot

19:19 Joining the Military and Early Challenges

26.17 Deployment and Personal Growth

33:50 Conclusion and Teaser for Elaine’s Next Episode

Social Media:

Elaine:

https://www.facebook.com/OldHomesteadAlpacas

https://www.instagram.com/oldhomesteadalpacas/

https://www.oldhomesteadalpacas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gholsongardens

https://www.instagram.com/gholsongardens/

www.gholsongardens.com

Happiness Unscripted:

https://happinessunscripted.buzzsprout.com

https://www.facebook.com/HappinessUnscripted

https://www.instagram.com/happinessunscripted/

Hey there friends! Just a firendly reminder that this podcast is all about sharing ideas and having fun conversations. I'm not an expert in this subject over here - jut a curious person eploring topics I find interesting. So please don't take anything said here as professional advice. When in doubt, chat with the real pros who know their stuff. Thanks for listening and hope you join us for the next episode! Now, let's dive in and get happy!