Monthly AHEC Scholar Profile - March 2025

My name is BreAnna Paul; however, I go by Breezy. I am not sure where the nickname came from but that’s what I have gone by since I was little. I was born and raised in Sturgis, SD. My family still lives in the area. My brother just started at Black Hills Pediatrics as a pediatrician. After my brother got into medical school, I became super interested in the medical field. I was constantly watching over his shoulder as he was studying. 

After graduating high school in 2020, I went Army basic training and Advanced Individual Training for Public Affairs. When I got back from all my training, I started college January of 2022. My degree is Human Service. My career choice has changed a few times from family doctor to law enforcement to counselor and now to Psychiatrist. 

Since I was in high school, I wanted to go into the medical field and help people. I switched career paths a few times because I was trying to figure out how I wanted to help people. Mental health became something I was very passionate about and I knew that is the field I wanted to be in. While I like the idea of being a counselor, I wanted something that involved more of the medical sides of things. 

I also realized how much the Black Hills lacks mental health care and services. I have worked at Pivot Point for almost a year. I have gained so much knowledge from working there. I have learned that so many people are suffering from mental illnesses because they don’t have access to the help they need. Not only does the Black Hills lack options but so does the military. There needs to be a change within the military on how mental health is addressed. 

With that being said, I want to make a difference even if it is just helping one person. I am tired of just saying there isn’t mental health services and not being able to help people. Instead, I want to finally take action and make a difference in my community.