In recognition of Month of the Military Kid, we’d like to introduce some of our exceptional military kids. Meet Nadia Pennella!
Nadia Pennella is a fourth-year undergraduate at UW-Madison majoring in biology and graduating this May! After graduation, she plans to gain clinical experience in her gap year before applying to pharmacy school. In her free time, Nadia enjoys playing field hockey, hiking, hanging out with friends, and traveling to new places.
Q: What drew you to UW-Madison?
A: I knew I wanted to go out of state for college after spending most of my life in New York. Knowing I was eligible for benefits through my mom’s Post 9/11 GI Bill, I decided to move halfway across the country and attend school in Madison. Previously, I had never been to Wisconsin or anywhere in the Midwest, so I was excited about this big change, and I’m very happy with my decision!
Q: What is one memorable moment from your time on campus?
A: In my junior year, I joined the Wisconsin Homecoming Committee with some of my friends, where we got to be a part of implementing events to bring the Badger community together in celebrating Wisconsin tradition. The highlight of that experience was getting the opportunity to walk on the field at Camp Randall during the homecoming football game against Rutgers. I would say that was one of the most memorable moments I’ve had on campus.
Q: To be a military kid means to have a direct family connection to someone who has served or is currently serving, often a parent or guardian. Can you share more about who in your life makes you a military kid?
A: My mom, Lieutenant Colonel Tanya Pennella (Retired), served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army for 23 years. She is also a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, completing a tour in Iraq from 2009-2010, and has held many roles and responsibilities within the military. My mother continues her career in serving veterans as Deputy Director at Putnam County Veterans Service Agency in New York.
Q: Individuals who grow up as military kids have a variety of experiences. What’s one key memory or takeaway you have from your experiences as a military kid?
A: My mom was mainly stationed between the 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem and Camp Smith in Cortlandt while my sister and I were growing up, so my family didn’t have to move around, unlike a lot of military families. This allowed me to remain in the same school district from kindergarten through senior year of high school, where I created lifelong friendships. Through this experience, I also developed a strong sense of community with the other soldiers that worked alongside my mom and their families as well.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about being a military kid?
A: I wish more people knew about the lasting positive impacts that come from being a military kid. Through my mom’s deployment, I saw first-hand the selfless sacrifices that service members make for their family and their country. This perspective has instilled a sense of honor and pride in being a military kid and, above all, showed me gratitude for these experiences. I’ve also learned to be adaptable, resilient, and independent, which greatly helped make the transition to college easier. My background continues to influence my life in wanting to serve others, from volunteering for the UW MIA project to pursuing a career in healthcare in hopes of giving back to veterans and their families in the future.
Q: Do you have any advice to share with incoming military-connected Badgers?
A: With how big this campus is, it can feel overwhelming trying to find your community at first. So, my advice to incoming military-connected Badgers would be to get involved and join student organizations early. One regret I have is not exploring different clubs in my freshman year and branching out. Four years go by very fast, so step outside of your comfort zone, meet new people, and make the most of this incredible experience you have in Madison. Also, go to UVS events and meet other military-connected Badgers!