Originally from Wichita KS, I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to attend the University. I am an only child. A border collie named Buddy lives with me. I’m in training for a 50K run, my second time running an event of this type. I enjoy hiking and traveling in my spare time. My career goal is to be a manager of something that has to do with environmental regulations. My life goal is to get married, have a family and live somewhere in the country.

I started college before I joined the Navy and I am now trying to finish my undergraduate degree. It’s important to me to be financially stable so I can go travel and for my kids not to have the limitation on sports or activities because I can’t afford it. I think that a degree can help me do that.

I chose UNL because I liked the program that they have for my major.

I’m using the GI bill ch33 and Tuition Assistance since I’m stationed here in Nebraska.

The UNL Student Veterans Organization or SVO has been a good experience.

The military is real world work/job/life. The academic world is completely different – everything is books, labs, grades, GPA, etc. and the military is not like that at all. The military teaches leadership and discipline while a degree will give you the education to do the job that is asked/required at the business. I always had discipline and focus from my high school sports and I was simply raised that way.

My advice is to remember that you are going to school to better your life and career options. Having that military experience will help. The college learning style is nothing like the military. In the military everyone learns the same, so, it’s more of a team effort. You are expected to succeed and everyone will help you. Whereas in academia you are on your own it’s up to you and your own self will to finish school.