Welcome back to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, we explore the profound impact of support—how a simple act of kindness can transform someone’s journey.

At 19, I stepped into the unfamiliar world of the Navy. Boot camp was tough, but it was only the beginning. When I arrived at my first duty station in San Diego, I was alone, exhausted, and carrying the weight of uncertainty. I had no idea that Lieutenant Commander Hicks—a woman with a commanding presence and unexpected empathy—would become a pivotal force in my life.

From navigating the overwhelming halls of Balboa Naval Hospital to confronting the unsettling reality of my temporary living conditions in a basement barracks, Hicks was there. Her intervention didn’t just help me secure proper housing—it shaped the confidence and determination I would carry forward in my career and life.

In this episode, I take you back to those first moments of uncertainty, the unexpected kindness of a strong mentor, and the ways in which support—when given at the right time—can change everything.