[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_third][one_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Age: 32
Military Service: Sergeant (E-5), Army (2003-2009)
MOS: Satellite Communications
Systems Operator & Maintainer (25S)[/fusion_text][/one_third][one_third last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Education:
• Bachelor’s degree, political science, Hunter College, New York City, Fall 2017
[/fusion_text][/one_third][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]How did you research which school you would attend?
I spent hours upon hours looking at college reviews. I wanted more than just a name and more than just a degree. I was looking for an experience. There is no shortage of very useful and helpful websites that catalogue colleges. Also, using the tools on LinkedIn were invaluable. By using the College Finder tool, you can filter by the top people in their respective fields and see where they went to school and what they studied.
Are you using the GI Bill? If so, which one?
Yes, I am using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Does the GI Bill or tuition assistance over all of your expenses?
The GI Bill does cover all of my expenses. I am married and both my husband and I are full-time students. We depend on the GI Bill as our primary source of income. However, affordable housing near Hunter College is next to impossible. As such, we are forced to commute from a great distance away in an effort to stretch the GI Bill as far as possible.
Do you feel that your military experience has made you a better student?
Without a doubt – yes. I still remember my first day of class when a student showed up late, didn’t have his books, and asked the professor if he could borrow a pen! And, to tell the truth, that was me almost 14 years ago when I first showed up to college. My experience in the military instilled in me a sense of discipline, a strong work ethic, and a firm understanding that no one is responsible for my success other than myself. My mission is now to do my best, study hard, and to approach each class with an intent to master it.
Did you have any difficulty adjusting to campus culture?
It was difficult adjusting to being around people who did not have the same level of discipline that was instilled in me during my time in the military. The crowded hallways and gaggles of people make me want to get everyone in formation. But these things are just the difference between military and civilian life in general and not specific to the campus culture.
Are there any blunders you would urge service members transitioning to a post-military education to avoid?
I waited too long to register. Register early, and get the certification in as soon as possible. That way you get paid sooner. Don’t wait to the last second to do anything school related. It takes time to process paperwork and it’s a lengthy process. Get started and engaged early.[/fusion_text][/fullwidth]
