Touro College
New York, NY
Program Type/Area of Study: Juris Doctor Degree
Years Served: 3
Tell us about yourself:
I am currently a full-time 2L and Captain in the Marine Corps Reserves. I am accelerating my course work to graduate early and work as an intern in the Veterans and Service Members Rights Clinic. I am working on a variety of cases to assist veterans in bringing closure to their issues. I also spend one weekend a month as a Detachment Commander for a Reserve unit based out of Fort Dix, New Jersey.
What prompted you to return to school?
Once I completed my active duty requirements, I wanted to continue serving in the Reserves and in the community. During my initial job search, I discovered a variety of jobs which desired a law degree. The degree would allow me to open a variety of doors for future employment. Thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, I will not have to worry about paying for a degree. If it was not for the GI Bill, I would not have been able to return to school.
Why did you choose Touro College?
Touro Law Center has a positive reputation throughout Long Island, New York. The school is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. These two factors cemented my decision to join the Touro Law Center community. There are a variety of programs available to assist students in order to fully prepare them for a future in the law field. The Law Center is committed to assisting students, which was a key factor for me in deciding which school to choose.
What military education benefits, such as the GI Bill, did you use?
I am currently using the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. I have also received a couple of scholarships to cover the entirely of my tuition and a good portion of my textbooks.
What has your experience been like as a student?
The experience at Touro Law Center has been terrific. The students are more than happy to help one another. The faculty has been helpful in understanding the material and assisting the students.
What challenges did you have adjusting to campus culture after military life?
I found the biggest challenge has been the vocabulary used by the military being understood in a civilian environment. I constantly use the military specific words when speaking with the teachers and fellow students.
Do you believe your military experience has made you a better student?
There is no better experience than the military. An individual becomes more structured, focused, disciplined and it is not realized until you experience life outside of the military environment. The stressors to most students do not have the same effect on a veteran. The stresses in the military lifestyle are literally life and death, while as a student, it does not compare.
What advice do you have for veterans returning to school?
My advice for a veteran returning to school is to find other veterans that are upper classmen and seek out their advice. The veterans that have spent a year or more in the school can best help you in finding answers to veteran specific questions and showing you around campus. Veterans are known for helping each other out and that continues in a college environment.