Dr. Amanda Capote has spent the last two decades in Minot, making it her home after arriving in 2005 as a military member. While her story is one of perseverance and resilience, it also speaks to the challenges of military life, career aspirations, and the journey of personal healing through the written word.
Dr. Capote, who was discharged from the military late 2005 due to medical reasons, chose to stay at Minot Air Force Base with her husband, SSgt Richard Capote, as he continued his service. Over the years, the family has made Minot their home, but not without facing struggles along the way. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice/Police Science from Minot State University in 2014. Driven by a passion for learning and a strong motivation to excel in her field, she pursued and earned her PhD from Capella University. Her doctoral studies focused on Public Safety, with a concentration in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security.
The Capote family, unlike many military families who frequently relocate, has experienced the unique challenge such as career growth and experience by being at the same place their whole career. “We’ve seen people come and go, friends leave and return years later, and we’re still here. My husband has a couple more years on Active Duty, but we honestly do not know where our next journey will take us. Our three kids were all born here, and this is the only home they’ve ever known,” Dr. Capote shared. “I remember crying on the drive up from Minneapolis when my mother drove me to Minot AFB after tech school, and now after making this place a home for 20 years, I don’t know where we would go,” Dr. Capote reflected, her voice filled with emotion.
Despite the uncertainty, Dr. Capote has embraced the challenges of life in Minot, finding joy in her work as a music teacher at Northern Plains School on Minot AFB. While it wasn’t her original career path—she had aspired to work in the Child Crime Unit—she expressed how fulfilling it is to be able to work with children every day. “Even though it’s not the job I got my degree in, I love being able to help kids. It brings me joy,” she said.
However, her professional journey hasn’t come without difficulties. Dr. Capote spoke candidly about her struggle to find a job in her field, noting that despite her extensive education, opportunities in Minot have been limited. “There just aren’t enough jobs in my field here, and that’s been a real challenge. While I have plenty of education, I lack experience in my field which also makes it difficult to be selected for a job,” she explained.
In the face of these obstacles, Dr. Capote found solace in an unexpected place: writing. She self-published her first memoir in 2021, which she describes as an essential step in her healing process . “My memoir was a great start to healing, and I sat on my manuscript for an entire month before I told anyone I self-published.”
Her memoir, which touches on her life experiences and challenges, has been a source of personal growth and transformation. It’s clear that writing has become a powerful tool for Dr. Capote as she navigates the ups and downs of her childhood, working through her journey to her Ph D, military life, career frustrations, and motherhood.
She also encouraged fellow military spouses not to put their careers or personal growth on the back burner. “We often focus so much on our partners’ careers and our families, but it’s important to grow yourself too,” Dr. Capote explained. “Pursue your goals, invest in your education or trade, and remember that your journey matters just as much as anyone else’s.”
As the Capote family continues their time in Minot, they face an uncertain future, but one thing is clear: Dr. Capote’s resilience, dedication to her family, and passion for helping others remain unwavering. Her story is a testament to the power of healing, the importance of finding joy in unexpected places, and the strength of a family grounded in love.
Whether in Minot or beyond, Dr. Capote’s journey is far from over, and her memoirs offer a glimpse into the strength that has carried her through life’s challenges.
