Service to School Stories

Breaking Barriers: Women Veterans Redefining Higher Ed with Haley Champion & Susan McLernon

What does it mean to find community as a woman veteran in higher education? In this episode, Haley Champion and Susan McLernon, co-founders of the Princeton Women's Veterans Group, share their journeys from military service to the classrooms of Princeton and the experiences that shaped their transitions along the way. Together, they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities women veterans encounter in higher education, the importance of creating spaces where veterans can connect and support one another, and the role advocacy plays in improving representation on campus. Through their personal stories, Haley and Susan offer insight into building community, navigating life after the military, and helping ensure that women veterans are seen, supported, and empowered to succeed in academia. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:22 Personal Journeys to Princeton 04:28 Military Backgrounds and Transition Experiences 11:31 Expectations and Challenges as Women Veterans in Ivy League 16:21 Unique Perspectives and Contributions on Campus 26:43 Creating Supportive Communities for Women Veterans 36:12 Forming the Women Veterans Group at Princeton 44:56 Advice for Future Women Veterans in Higher Education 52:22 Final Reflections and Words of Encouragement Resources: Service to School [https://service2school.org/] Princeton Admissions for US Military [https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/us-military-applicants]

Internships: The Bridge Between College & Careers for Veterans with Mike Brown

Many veterans focus on getting into college, but one of the most important steps toward a successful civilian career happens while you're still a student. In this episode, Whitney Cason sits down with Mike Brown, Army veteran and Director of The Prince Family Veterans Resource Center at Villanova University, to discuss why internships can be a game-changer for student veterans transitioning from military service to higher education and the workforce. Mike shares how internships help veterans gain experience, explore career paths, and build professional networks that can shape future opportunities. The conversation explores the importance of planning early, identifying meaningful internship opportunities, and leveraging alumni networks to support career growth. Mike also addresses common misconceptions about internships and offers practical advice for veterans looking to maximize their education and position themselves for long-term success after graduation. 00:00 The Importance of Internships for Veterans 07:14 Understanding the Transition from Military to College 11:02 Navigating the Internship Landscape 15:24 Real-Life Impact of Internships 20:49 Leveraging Alumni Networks 24:53 Common Mistakes and Misconceptions 26:07 Key Advice for Veterans on Internships Resources:  * Villanova University Veterans Support Office [https://www.villanova.edu/university/veterans-military-service-members/prince-family-veterans-resource-center.html] * Services for Veterans at Villanova [https://www.villanova.edu/university/veterans-military-service-members.html] * Admissions Support for Veterans [https://service2school.org/sign-up]

Starting Over Strong: A Student Veteran's Path to Top Universities with Chris Gregory

What happens when a veteran returns to school after years away from the classroom? Shifting gears to balancing work, life responsibilities, and the pressure of starting over sound familiar? In this episode, Chris Gregory shares his journey from community college student to competitive applicant for top universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley. Chris opens up about overcoming academic setbacks, navigating the transfer process, and learning how to build momentum as an adult learner. The conversation explores the value of community college as a strategic pathway for veterans, practical application strategies for highly selective schools, and the importance of finding support systems that help veterans succeed in higher education. Whether you’re just beginning to consider college or already planning your transfer journey, this episode offers real insight, encouragement, and actionable advice from someone who’s been through it firsthand. 00:00 Introduction to Chris Gregory's Journey 02:48 Understanding the College Admissions Process 06:00 Relocating for Community College 08:15 Navigating Community College Challenges 11:08 Transitioning from Workforce to Classroom 13:58 The Application Process and Admissions Decisions 18:39 Evaluating Admissions Offers 21:57 Financial Considerations in College Admissions 25:33 Advice for Veterans Entering College 30:16 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Building Academic Momentum for Student Veterans at Community College with Marina at Diablo Valley

In this episode, Emma chats with Marina Varela, manager of the Student Veteran Resource Center at Diablo Valley College, about how community colleges can provide veterans with a strong foundation for higher education through personalized support, transfer pathways, and veteran-focused resources. She discusses the important role Veteran Resource Centers (VRCs) play in helping student veterans build community, navigate benefits, and access support both inside and outside the classroom. The conversation also explores the value of early transfer planning, campus-wide collaborations that support veteran success, and common myths surrounding community colleges. Whether you're considering starting at a community college or planning your next step toward a four-year institution, this episode offers practical insights for making the most of the journey. 00:00 Introduction to Community Colleges for Veterans 01:17 Support Systems in Community Colleges 04:02 Navigating the Transition to Higher Education 06:41 The Importance of Outreach and Connection 09:32 Collaboration Across Campus Departments 12:16 Academic Advising and Transfer Planning 22:19 The Power of Mentorship 23:43 Navigating Community College for UCs and CSUs 28:16 Academic Counseling and Support Systems 33:48 Dispelling Myths About Community College 39:22 Final Advice for Veterans in Community College Resources  Diablo Valley College [https://www.dvc.edu/⁠] Service to School [https://service2school.org⁠] CalVet Benefits [https://www.calvet.ca.gov/⁠]

Early Stage Higher Education Preparation for Veterans with Sydney Matthes & Annie Behari

In this episode, Sydney Matthes and Annie Behari from Service to School discuss how military service members and veterans can prepare for higher education. They cover college application timelines & nuances specific to veterans, evaluating schools based on military benefits and goals, using tuition assistance and transfer credits effectively, storytelling strategies to maximize college admissions success, and the benefits of preparing esrly for a smooth transition to higher education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Service to School 05:12 Understanding the Service to School Timeline 10:06 Preparing for Higher Education: Early Steps 15:12 Navigating Academic Credits and Course Selection 19:54 Crafting Your Narrative: Military Experience and Admissions 25:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for Future Students Resources * Service to School Website [https://service2school.org⁠] * College Fair and Webinars [https://service2school.org/events⁠] * Veterans Education Benefits Guide [ https://www.va.gov/education/⁠]