“As a transitioning Pararescueman juggling multiple roles – executive protection medic, MBA candidate, and supporting my wife through her doctorate – I joined the Dawn Collective believing I had already conquered my past traumas from childhood and Afghanistan. Despite occasional symptoms of post-traumatic stress, I viewed these as minor issues, having transformed them into fuel for my future vision.
Through the Dawn Collective, I discovered that what I thought was conquest was actually avoidance. I had masked my emotions with humor, work, and distractions in the name of optimization. The practice revealed that I had been operating on adrenaline and cortisol for years as a special operator, affecting how I handled ordinary situations and often leaving me unable to “turn off” for weeks.
Now, I’ve learned to operate at a high level without relying on adrenaline, with techniques to control this response at will. Where I once saw limitations and felt like an imposter, I now see possibilities. Through practices like Yi Chuan and anti-fragility training, I’ve found a deeper connection with my body, my heritage as a first-generation American, and my community. Most importantly, my wife and I now tackle obstacles with less friction, approaching challenges together through a lens of collective growth.
The amazing part is that no external factors have changed – I simply see the world through a new lens.”
Brian Rojas
Pararescue (United States Air Force special operators)
Executive Protection Medic / MBA Candidate, Dartmouth University