Sharing knowledge is a family legacy for Katelyn Herbaugh. Her parents were both special education teachers, and as a teenager, Herbaugh often helped out in her mother’s summer school classes. So it’s no surprise that she wanted to become a teacher herself.

“I just always enjoyed helping kids,” said Herbaugh, who is a senior at Old Dominion University in Virginia. “When I complete my education, I’ll be able to teach from kindergarten to 12th grade. However, I think I want to focus on the younger grades.”

Herbaugh, who is married to a Navy lieutenant junior grade, began her studies last year. After several years of moving around, she and her husband were stationed in Norfolk, Va., for a lengthy period of time. The couple agreed that she should complete her degree while they were in one spot.

To help pay for classes, Herbaugh – who is pursuing a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies (with a certification in special education) – signed up for the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program.

“MyCAA allowed me to be a full-time student,” she said. “Between those benefits and a few other grants I was awarded, I was able to cover my educational costs.”