A Life of Purpose

For CDT Alyson “Aly” Natasha Jaspe Diamond Shepherd, the path to Norwich University was never meant to be ordinary.

“I ended up at Norwich because of my good friend Sam Paik, the awesome nursing program, and NROTC, but also because of the dynamic of the school,” said Jaspe. “I may not have known entirely what was in store for me, but I knew it would not be the regular college experience.”

That choice — to pursue challenge, service, and something greater than herself — would come to define not only her time as a cadet, but the way she carried herself through every obstacle that followed. Her commitment to service was rooted in those closest to her.

“Choosing a path of service came from being inspired by my sister Alessa,” she said. “She has always been such a major role model in my life, and I’ve always looked up to her. Also, becoming a naval nurse is something that is so prestigious, and I want to represent my country with pride.”

At Norwich, she found exactly what she was seeking: a demanding environment that tested her limits and a community that stood beside her as she met each challenge head-on.

Being a cadet, she explained, was never about taking the easy route.

“Embracing the full Rook experience isn’t what everyone chooses to do, but integrity is important to getting the whole Rook experience,” she said. “If you truly embrace the suck of being a Rook, you get such a great first year.”

Through early mornings, difficult training, and the shared trials of Rookdom, Jaspe built lasting bonds with those around her. She often reflected on the importance of her Rook family, recalling the friendships that made “the experience more valuable and memorable.”

Those relationships — built on trust, shared hardship, and mutual support — remained central to her story.

“Being a cadet has made me mentally stronger, and I thank my cadre and Rook family for pushing my limits and showing me that just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible,” she said.

Even in the most challenging moments, she never lost sight of the support surrounding her.
“On the hard days, I remind myself I’m not alone,” said Jaspe. “I have so many people who are very supportive of me — from family members, friends, and strangers who have heard my story and care so much about me.”

Her parents echo that same sense of community, reflecting on the impact Norwich had not only on their daughter, but on their family as a whole.

“We became Norwich parents because of our daughter Aly’s dream to challenge herself and serve with purpose,” said her parents, Matthew and Arelys Shepherd. “When she chose Norwich, we chose it with her.”

Throughout her time as a cadet and Norwich student, Jaspe demonstrated a subtle but unmistakable strength — one that left a lasting impression on those around her.

“Aly’s character was defined by quiet strength and unwavering determination,” said her parents. “She did not allow her circumstances to define her; instead, she rose with courage and integrity.”

That determination was evident in everything she did, from her academic goals to her role within the Corps.

“Seeing how much of an impact I can make on others made me stronger,” said Jaspe.

Even as her challenges grew, so did her resolve; her parents saw that same perseverance each day.

“Even when her energy was low and everything took more from her than most people could imagine, she refused to let her spirit sink,” said her parents. “She chose hope. She chose purpose. She chose to keep going.”

Jaspe’s life and time at Norwich were marked not only by personal growth, but by the influence she had on others. Whether among her own class or mentoring younger cadets, she embraced every opportunity to lead and connect.

“I had a lot of fun with the Rook Class of 2029 during my short time with them,” said Jaspe, who eventually needed to step away from the Corps because of her health. “I had the privilege of being a slight mentor, but also their equal, through which I could share some guidance from a different perspective.”

In her parents’ view, the character of their daughter was on full display.

“When we reflect on our story, what stands out the most is not the diagnosis itself, but the resilience that rose from it,” they said. “We witnessed strength in its truest form — quiet, steady, and unwavering.”

Jaspe herself never lost sight of what Norwich meant to her: a place of growth, purpose, and belonging.
“It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I definitely found a family away from home there,” she said. “It taught me many lessons.”

She carried forward that sense of purpose and encouraged others to do the same.

“Embracing the ‘I Will Try’ motto is such a blessing in disguise.”

Her story continues to inspire the Norwich community — not defined by hardship, but by the way she chose to meet it: with strength, integrity, and an enduring commitment to those around her.
Members of the Norwich and broader communities joined together to honor Jaspe’s life following her passing. A 5K Memorial Run benefiting the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation took place, as well as an Echo Taps ceremony on the Upper Parade Ground.

That spirit of community carried forward into commencement, where one of the day’s most profound moments belonged entirely to her. When her parents, Matthew and Arelys, walked to receive Aly’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing on her behalf, the gathered Norwich community responded with the kind of collective outpouring that words can barely contain — love made visible.

It was a moment that needed no explanation.

In remembering their daughter, her parents hope others recognize her outstanding qualities: her character, commitment, and heart.

“Behind the treatments and physical challenges was still a leader, a teammate, a friend, and a cadet who cared deeply about belonging and purpose.”

And that is how CDT Alyson Jaspe will be remembered — for her strength, spirit, and as a true example of “I Will Try.”