Resilience Through Adversity: Tracy Porter's journey of perseverance
By: Jean Anderson
Tracy Porter’s journey of perseverance, from military service to balancing school, work and family amidst personal challenges, showcases his resilience and determination to build a better future.
In March 2024, Porter’s wife was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and life-threatening form of cancer. During this time, he was juggling school, work and his family. During her months of treatment in Nashville, which included chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and long stays in the hospital, Porter became the primary caregiver for their three young children at home in Huntsville.
“I was getting up early, working late into the night, doing homework until midnight and then starting it all over again the next day.”
His motivation was to provide for his family.
“This was the most stressful point in my life, and if I can get through this, I can get through almost anything.” He explains how his perspective shifted and how he sees the larger picture of his life more clearly.
Porter graduated from Virginia Tech in 2010 with a degree in geography and decided to join the U.S. Army, where he served in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). He recalls completing two weekly tests during his training: “It’s a lot of discipline. You’re constantly learning and studying, and you have to adapt quickly. The stress level is high, but you get used to it.”
After his time in the military, Porter further devoted himself to beginning a career. He took a four-year course with the University of Virginia alongside a full-time carpenter apprenticeship.
“I enjoyed learning and working with my hands but was not mentally stimulated by my job.”
This marked a turning point in his career as he shifted his focus to obtaining a degree in business administration.
Porter decided to dive into full-time studies and pursue an accounting degree at UAH. Alongside his coursework, he took a part-time job as an armed guard, working late-night shifts while balancing his academic commitments. His perseverance paid off when he secured an internship with Electro Optic Systems (EOS). He has now received a full-time job offer from EOS to begin when he graduates in May 2025.
Through dedication and perseverance, he successfully navigated personal hardships and academic commitments. As Porter prepares to graduate, his experiences reflect a commitment to growth and adaptability in pursuit of his career goals.