Veteran’s Perspective - Keep on Swimming
A Veteran’s Journey Back to Civilian Life
By Sonia Chansiya
DO | Paramedic | Army Veteran
For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life is one of the greatest challenges they will ever face. Carefully laid plans often collide with unexpected realities, leaving individuals grappling with frustration, grief, and uncertainty. Yet, as difficult as the process may be, the path forward is possible—built step by step, with resilience and action.
I know this struggle firsthand. In 2008, I deployed to Iraq shortly after graduating with a degree in psychology. My vision was straightforward: return home, pursue graduate school, and build a career as a psychologist. But war changes more than just your environment—it alters how you see the world and yourself. Coming home, I no longer felt like the same person. The weight of what I had witnessed left me feeling I needed to distance myself from anything connected to the military, convinced I could simply start fresh on my own.
Still, the experience reshaped my ambitions. I shifted my focus to medicine, believing that with enough determination, I could quickly complete the necessary courses and move on to medical school. The reality was far more complicated. I struggled academically, retaking classes I once passed. Life added unexpected twists—marriage, motherhood, divorce, and the responsibility of raising a son on my own. To support us, I trained as a paramedic and worked multiple jobs. Slowly, with persistence, I built momentum again. Eventually, I remarried, created a stable home, and achieved what once felt unattainable—acceptance into medical school.
Today, I am completing a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I am also a mother of three and, alongside my husband, co-founder of Lila Medlink, a medical staffing company. Looking back, I see both the mistakes and the lessons. For years, I shut out my military identity, believing that disconnection would help me heal. In truth, isolation only cut me off from resources, support networks, and communities designed to ease the transition I was struggling through. Reengaging with those connections has reminded me that service is not just a chapter of my past—it is a part of who I am, and a source of strength.
Every veteran’s journey back to civilian life is different, but some advice holds true for all. First, use the resources available—whether through the VA, veteran service organizations, or peer support groups. These programs exist for a reason, and they can make the difference between feeling stuck and moving forward.
Second, surround yourself with community, whether family, friends, or fellow veterans who understand the unique challenges of transition.
Finally, keep going. Progress may feel slow, but every step counts.
I do not regret my time in service. The discipline, resilience, and perspective I gained continue to shape me as a physician, a parent, and a business owner. Transition is rarely easy, but it is possible. For veterans stepping into civilian life, the message is clear: keep swimming.
Forward motion—no matter how small—creates the current that carries you to new beginnings and adventures.
Sonia Chansiya is a healthcare staffing entrepreneur passionate about connecting top talent with the right opportunities. She is committed to driving innovation in workforce solutions and improving patient care through strategic staffing.