In this episode of Service to School Stories, Emma Parish, Director of Student Advising, sits down with S2S applicant & Ambassador pair Denver Barrows and Cayde Bruce to explore the power of peer mentorship in the veteran-to-college journey.
They dig into how strong mentor–mentee relationships are built, why they matter, and the real impact they can have on your admissions strategy and confidence. Denver and Cayde share what makes mentorship work, the trends they’re seeing across the veteran community, and the qualities that set great mentors apart.
You’ll also hear honest insights about navigating the unique challenges military-affiliated applicants face and how having someone in your corner can change everything.
The episode closes with practical guidance for both mentors and mentees, plus inspiring reminders of why mentorship is one of the most transformative parts of the Service to School experience.
00:00 Introduction to Mentorship in Education
05:06 The Impact of Mentorship on College Admissions
11:10 Building a Network Through Mentorship
14:04 Maintaining Relationships Beyond College Applications
16:37 Trends in Mentorship and Education for Veterans
20:30 Qualities of an Effective Mentor
24:46 Navigating Feedback in Mentorship
28:43 The Unique Value of Mentorship for Military Applicants
31:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections
34:28 S2S Stories Podcast Outro Video.mp4
Additional Resources:
In this powerful episode of Service to School Stories, host Whitney Cason sits down with Army veteran Nate Tiegs and admissions expert Nick Fritz for an honest, deeply human conversation about what it really takes for veterans to transition into higher education.
Nate opens up about the parts of his journey that rarely make it into polished application essays — facing homelessness, battling bureaucracy, and learning to advocate for himself. His story is raw, real, and a reminder that resilience isn’t theoretical for veterans; it’s lived. Nick brings the admissions perspective, breaking down what colleges actually look for in veteran applicants, why vulnerability matters, and how maturity and self-awareness can become your strongest assets in a holistic review process.
Together, Nate and Nick reveal how authenticity, courage, and a willingness to tell your full story can transform the admissions experience — and why veterans are uniquely prepared to succeed in the classroom and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for any veteran preparing to apply to college, anyone supporting veterans through the transition, or anyone who needs a reminder that your story has power.
00:00 Navigating the Transition from Military to Civilian Life
02:42 The Role of Education in Personal Growth
05:45 Overcoming Bureaucratic Challenges in Admissions
08:26 The Importance of Holistic Admissions Processes
11:03 Writing Essays: Sharing Difficult Experiences
13:56 Demonstrating Resilience Through Personal Narratives
16:47 The Power of Authenticity in Admissions Essays
19:42 Advice for Veterans on Writing Their Stories
22:32 Final Thoughts on the Admissions Journey
Additional resources:
In this episode of Service to School Stories, Whitney sits down with Javier Kazmierczak — a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier whose path from the military to higher education is anything but ordinary.
Javier opens up about the real challenges behind his transition, from navigating the college admissions maze to figuring out what “fit” truly means for veterans stepping onto campus for the first time. He shares how mentorship, community, and the right support system — including Service to School — helped him chart a path forward with confidence and clarity.
Whether he’s breaking down application strategies, talking through the power of networking, or reflecting on his surprise moments as a student at Chicago Booth, Javier brings honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation.
This episode is packed with insights for any veteran considering higher education — and a reminder that your military experience isn’t just relevant in the classroom, it’s a strength.
00:00 From Military to Academia: Javier's Journey
03:09 Navigating Higher Education: The Role of Service to School
06:04 Choosing the Right School: The Importance of Fit
08:52 Overcoming Challenges: Transitioning from Military to College
12:00 The Application Process: Strategies and Insights
14:42 Building Relationships: The Value of Faculty Support
17:35 Planning for the Future: Pursuing an MBA and Beyond
22:35 Strategic Major Selection and Backwards Planning
27:05 Choosing the Right MBA Program
28:46 Navigating the Application Process
32:59 Academic and Personal Surprises at Booth
34:38 The Veteran Community at Booth
36:44 Lessons Learned from Military to Academia
38:40 Adding Value as a Veteran in Academia
41:14 Encouragement for Veterans Considering Higher Education
Additional Resources:
Discover how Brown University is opening doors for veterans. In this episode, Sydney sits down with Bailey DiOrio and Mac Manning to break down Brown’s veteran-focused admissions process, the power of community on campus, and the programs that help student veterans thrive from day one. You’ll hear how holistic review works, what support systems actually look like, and why veterans are making a real impact in the classroom. They also share insider advice, career insights, and what every veteran should know before applying. If you’re considering college after service, this is a must-listen.
00:00 Introduction to Brown University's Veteran Support Programs
02:57 Navigating the Admissions Process for Veteran Applicants
05:47 Understanding Brown's Unique Veteran Application
08:47 Holistic Review in Admissions: What Matters?
12:06 The Role of Community in Veteran Success
14:51 The Office of Military Affiliate Students: A Support System
17:56 Innovative Programs for Veteran Integration
20:57 The Impact of Veterans in the Classroom
24:08 Career Outcomes and Alumni Network for Veterans
26:55 Final Advice for Prospective Veteran Students
Additional Resources:
In this episode of Service to School Stories, host Whitney Cason sits down with Luke Hixson, a U.S. Navy veteran whose journey from the fleet to the Ivy League and now medical school proves that there’s no single path to success after service.
Luke shares how he went from treating Marines as a Navy corpsman to studying neuroscience at Princeton University, and now training to become a physician at Rutgers Medical School. He opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, failing the MCAT the first time, and finding strength in mentorship and community.
This conversation dives deep into what it means to transition, to persevere, and to keep your purpose front and center, even when the path gets tough. Whether you’re thinking about college, grad school, or med school after the military, Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that your service prepared you for more than you realize.
01:10 – From Tennessee to the Navy
03:00 – “I Was Good at School — I Just Didn’t Like It”
04:50 – Applying to Princeton as a First-Year Veteran
06:20 – Showing Maturity Through Essays
07:45 – Choosing Princeton and Planning for Med School
09:25 – Lining Up the Path to Medicine
11:10 – Early Assurance and the Road to Rutgers
15:30 – The Toughest Challenge: Failing the MCAT
17:15 – Adjusting to Life at Princeton
20:00 – Building a Social Life (and Staying Humble)
23:45 – Dating as a Veteran on Campus
26:20 – Inside the Early Assurance Process
31:45 – Transitioning to Med School
34:30 – Building a New Community at Rutgers
36:45 – Advice for Veterans Pursuing Medicine
38:50 – Closing Reflections
Additional Resources:
Transferring to a new college can feel like starting over — especially for veterans.
In this episode of Service to School Stories, transfer admissions expert Jamie Smith breaks down what every student veteran needs to know about making a smooth transition from community college to a four-year university.
She shares insider advice on credit transfer, articulation agreements, and how to build a plan that sets you up for success. Most importantly, Jamie talks about the growing need for colleges to better support transfers — and how veterans can advocate for themselves through every step of the process. If you’re thinking about taking your next academic step, this episode is your roadmap.
00:00 Introduction to Transfer Admissions and Support
02:57 Understanding the Transfer Process for Veterans
05:55 Challenges Faced by Student Veterans in Transfer Applications
08:54 Navigating Community College and Transfer Pathways
11:44 Articulation Agreements and Their Importance
15:01 Tools for Understanding Transferability of Credits
17:52 The Role of Admissions in Transfer Credit Evaluation
20:54 Advice for Transfer Students and Final Thoughts
Additional Resources:
In this episode of Service to School Stories, Whitney sits down with Air Force veteran Zach Wright to trace his path from community college to Stanford University. Zach opens up about what it really takes to thrive in higher education after the military — from battling imposter syndrome and finding belonging in the classroom to building meaningful relationships with professors. He shares hard-earned lessons on time management, resilience, and the power of peer support among veterans navigating college life. Zach’s story is proof that with determination and community, your next mission — earning a degree — is absolutely within reach.
00:00 From Military to Academia: Zach's Journey
07:04 Navigating Community College and Future Aspirations
08:12 Choosing Northern Virginia Community College
10:07 Building Relationships with Faculty
11:03 Building Academic Relationships for Success
13:35 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Elite Education
16:44 Navigating the Application Process
19:31 Time Management and Academic Success
22:28 Community and Leadership in Veteran Support
25:21 Long-Term Goals and Supporting Fellow Veterans
28:17 Advice for Future Students and Veterans
Additional Resources:
In this episode, Sydney and Annie discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions for veteran applicants. They explore trends in academic preparedness, the role of community colleges, the importance of standardized testing, and how veterans can effectively communicate their military experiences in applications. The conversation emphasizes the significance of preparation and the resources available to help veterans succeed in their academic pursuits.
00:00 Introduction to Service to School and Leadership Changes
03:06 Trends in Veteran Applicants and Academic Preparedness
05:55 The Role of Community Colleges in Academic Pathways
09:05 Selecting the Right Community College
11:46 Understanding Transfer Applications and Admissions Outcomes
15:08 The Evolving Landscape of Standardized Testing
18:02 Crafting a Compelling Narrative from Military Experience
20:45 The Importance of Time in Service in Applications
23:46 Success Stories and Admissions Outcomes for Veterans
26:55 Final Advice for Aspiring Applicants
Additional Resources:
In this episode of Service to School Stories, we chat with Dr. Scott Smitson, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who transitioned into academia. He discusses the challenges he faced as a military veteran in higher education as well as opportunities, particularly through the Chamberlain Project, which helps place retiring officers in academic settings. Dr. Smitson shares his experiences teaching at various institutions, the differences between liberal arts and public universities, and the importance of mentorship and networking for transitioning service members. He emphasizes the value of military experience in academia and the need for veterans to prepare for the unique culture of higher education.
00:00 From Military to Academia: A Journey of Service
02:49 Strategic Education and International Affairs
03:05 Teaching and Military Experience
04:45 The Chamberlain Project and Its Impact
07:12 Differences in Teaching Environments
10:35 The Role of a Military Strategist in Academia
12:40 Opportunities Provided by the Chamberlain Fellowship
16:01 Advice for Aspiring Chamberlain Fellows
19:07 Future of Academic Work in Politics
22:15 Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders
25:18 Navigating the Cultural Shift to Academia
27:57 Realizing a Passion for Higher Education
Resources:
In this episode of Service to School Stories, S2S Director of VetLink, Whitney, chats with Kloey Albertson, a veteran and current student veteran at Brown University. Kloey shares her journey from military service to higher education, discussing the challenges she faced during the college admissions process, the importance of community support for female veterans, and her experiences at Brown. She emphasizes the need for female-focused support systems and encourages other veterans to pursue their educational goals without self-doubt. Kloey's story highlights the resilience and leadership skills developed in the military that translate into success in academia.
00:00 — Introduction to Kloey's Journey
01:04 — Kloey's Military Background and Transition to Education
03:17 — Navigating the College Admissions Process
07:47 — Supporting Female Veterans in Higher Education
11:29 — Building Community at Brown University
15:27 — Creating Female-Focused Support Systems
18:24 — Choosing Brown University
21:32 — Career Support and Networking Opportunities
25:27 — Advice for Female Veterans Considering Higher Education
More resources for veterans:
In this episode, we're joined by Kaleth Wright, the 18th Chief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force, who shares his remarkable journey from joining the military on a whim to reaching the highest enlisted rank. In this conversation, Kaleth shares his journey and reflects on the unexpected opportunities that led him to the prestigious position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, detailing the unique interview process and the responsibilities of the role. He discusses the challenges faced by enlisted airmen today, including retention issues and the impact of generational differences in the military. He emphasizes the value of seeking diverse perspectives in mentorship and the importance of education in navigating career transitions, encouraging service members to understand their identity beyond the uniform.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Kaleth Wright's Journey
02:51 Early Military Experience and Challenges
05:57 Education and Career Development
08:46 Mentorship and Its Importance
12:11 Aspiring for Leadership Roles
15:02 Breaking Barriers in Mentorship
18:01 Path to Becoming Chief Master Sergeant
20:58 Unexpected Opportunities and Recognition
25:14 The Unexpected Interview Invitation
30:30 Understanding the Role of Chief Master Sergeant
36:04 Challenges Facing Enlisted Airmen Today
39:49 Bridging the Generational Gap in the Military
43:43 Navigating the Transition from Military to Civilian Life
Additional Resources
In this episode, Alec Emmert interviews Eric Goins, a veteran and current student at Notre Dame pursuing an MBA and a master's in Global Affairs. Eric shares his journey from the Citadel, where he balanced academics, athletics, and military training, to his experiences in the Army, including the challenges he faced in Ranger School. He discusses the importance of resilience, the impact of his military training on his personal growth, and his decision to return to college football while pursuing higher education. Eric shares his unique journey from serving in the Army to pursuing his dream of playing football at Notre Dame. He reflects on the challenges and decisions he faced along the way, including his aspirations to teach and the emotional experience of joining the football team. Eric discusses the transition from being an underdog to playing for a prestigious program and emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief in navigating life's challenges.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Eric Goins
02:58 Journey to the Citadel
06:11 Football Experience at the Citadel
08:53 Transitioning to the Army
11:59 Overcoming Adversity in Ranger School
14:59 Branch Detailing and Career Path
17:52 Life Lessons from Military Training
21:07 Decision to Leave the Army and Pursue Education
28:32 Journey to the Army and Football Dreams
32:49 Transitioning to Notre Dame and Teaching Aspirations
34:26 The Decision to Walk-On to Notre Dame Football
40:45 Emotional Journey of Joining the Team
48:53 From Underdog to Goliath: The Notre Dame Experience
54:47 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Reflections
Additional Resources
In this podcast episode, Charles Castelly shares his journey from military service to pursuing an MBA. He discusses his motivations for joining the Army, his experiences during basic training, and the challenges he faced with a medical discharge. Charles reflects on his educational path, the importance of community, and his diverse career experiences, including a sabbatical that allowed him to explore various roles.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Charles Castelly
02:59 Military Experience and Transition
06:04 Navigating Medical Discharge and Education
08:58 College Journey and Veteran Community
12:02 Career Path and Purpose
17:54 Sabbatical and Personal Growth
22:13 The DJ Journey: Crafting Unique Playlists
24:07 Pursuing Education: A Master's in Finance
24:59 Landing a Government Role: The Path to Development Finance
28:03 Understanding DFC vs. USAID: Investment vs. Aid
30:43 Experiencing Uganda: A Journey of Beauty and Work
31:33 Transitioning to an MBA: Expanding Horizons
34:56 Veteran Community at Smith: Building Connections
38:22 Academics at Smith: Curriculum and Choices
40:55 Extracurricular Engagement: Leadership in Finance Club
42:56 Career Aspirations: Impact Investing and Beyond
Additional Resources
In this conversation, filmmaker Jake Rademacher shares his journey from aspiring military pilot to creating impactful films for veterans. He discusses the making of his film 'Brothers After War', the importance of nuanced storytelling in media representation of the Iraq War, and offers valuable advice for veterans looking to enter the film industry. Rademacher emphasizes the significance of creating one's own material, the role of theater in storytelling, and the need for veterans to check their motivations before pursuing film school. He also highlights the workshops he conducts for veterans and the upcoming streaming release of his film.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Jake Rademacher and His Journey
14:19 The Impact of the Iraq War and Media Representation
20:32 Supporting Veterans in Storytelling and Media
21:25 Veterans in Film: A Unique Perspective
27:54 Navigating Film School: Pros and Cons
30:38 Finding Your Path: Exploring Film Careers
34:05 Resources for Aspiring Veteran Storytellers
39:14 Creating Your Own Opportunities in Storytelling
40:42 Brothers After War: A Film for Veterans
41:45 Encouragement for Veterans in the Industry
Additional Resources
In this podcast episode, Desaree Edwards shares her inspiring journey from a low-income background to serving as a nuclear mechanic in the US Navy. Desaree highlights the importance of leadership and trust within the military, her transition to civilian life, and her pursuit of education at Wesleyan University, where she discovered her passion for neuroscience and human rights advocacy. She also shares her journey to law school, her aspirations in the anti-trafficking field, and offers valuable advice for those navigating their own career paths.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Desiree Edwards
03:11 Journey to the Navy and Submarine Service
06:11 Nuclear Submarine Training Overview
09:10 Deployment Experiences and Challenges
12:07 Qualifying as a Nuclear Mechanic
15:07 Deciding to Transition Out of the Military
18:05 Leadership Lessons from the Submarine Experience
26:04 Restoring Trust in Leadership
29:37 Navigating Academic Choices and Personal Growth
31:25 Building Community as a Female Veteran
35:02 The Experience of Commuting to Campus
37:42 Engaging in Human Rights Advocacy
42:02 Preparing for Law School and Future Aspirations
49:09 Advice for Career Exploration and Growth
Additional Resources
In this podcast episode, Jimmy Hatch, a former Navy SEAL and founder of Spike's Canine Fund, shares his remarkable journey from military service to higher education at Yale. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from combat to civilian life, the importance of mental health, and the profound bond between humans and dogs. Jimmy emphasizes the need for veterans to seek help and the value of education in reshaping perspectives on life and trauma. He shares his journey to Yale, highlighting the self-doubt he faced and how he overcame it. Additionally, he reflects on the transformative power of literature in his life, using it as a means of self-discovery and healing.
**Trigger Warning - suicide, substance abuse, psychiatric institution, sexual assault
Main Topics
(00:05) Introduction to Jimmy Hatch's Journey
(07:31) The Impact of Military Service on Mental Health
(15:44) Navigating Trauma and Seeking Help
(25:54) Transitioning to Higher Education as a Veteran
(26:59) Navigating Transition and Seeking Help
(30:30) The Journey to Yale: Overcoming Self-Doubt
(40:44) Literature as a Lifeline: The Power of Reading
Additional Resources
Whitney Cason, S2S Director of VetLink, takes the reins for a conversation with two of S2S's VetLink partners - Christina Moreland, Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Pipeline Development at Dartmouth, and Evan Shoaf, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at Bowdoin. Whitney, Christina, and Evan discuss the unique challenges and opportunities for veteran applicants in the college admissions process, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, personalized support, and community integration for veterans transitioning to academic life. The discussion also covers financial aid options, the significance of building a supportive community, and shares inspiring success stories of veteran students who have thrived in their respective institutions.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Veteran Admissions Support
08:10 Understanding Financial Aid for Veterans
15:58 Building Community and Support for Veterans
21:49 Success Stories of Veteran Students
30:03 Advice for Veteran Applicants
Additional Resources
Holden Lindblom joined us to share his inspiring journey from struggling in school to thriving at Stanford University. After serving as a forward observer in Afghanistan, he transitioned to academia. Holden discusses the challenges he faced during his military service, his motivation to succeed, and the importance of community college in preparing for top universities. He ultimately chose Stanford for its unique environment and opportunities, and he now co-founded Vetri-Fi, a financial service aimed at empowering veterans with financial literacy and resources.
Main Topics
00:00 From Sweden to Service: A Journey Begins
06:29 Transitioning from Military to Academia
10:20 The Drive to Succeed: Finding Motivation
15:00 Navigating Community College: A Path to Top Universities
20:57 Applying to Elite Schools: Strategies and Insights
26:28 Choosing Stanford: A Life-Changing Decision
30:05 Adapting to Stanford: Academic and Social Integration
35:40 Discovering Passion: The Shift to Startups
40:40 VetraFi: Empowering Veterans Financially
Additional Resources
In this conversation, US Navy veteran Dan Chauvin shares his remarkable journey of resilience and determination in the face of rejection while applying to top MBA programs. Dan discusses his military background, the challenges he faced during the application process, and the importance of seeking help and support from others. He emphasizes the need to tell one's story authentically and the lessons learned from receiving rejections from every school to his acceptance into not one, but SIX prestigious business schools.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Dan Chauvin's Journey
01:22 From Navy EOD to Business School Aspirations
04:18 Overseas Experiences: Syria, Spain, and Bahrain
12:19 Navigating Career Decisions: Military vs. Business School
16:30 Leadership in Crisis: The October 7th Experience
20:58 Applying to Business School: The Journey Begins
23:29 Embracing Failure and Resilience
25:28 The Journey to Business School
30:11 The Importance of Seeking Help
34:43 Navigating Feedback and Perspectives
37:31 Mental Preparation for Reapplication
39:57 Overcoming Rejection: The Journey Begins
47:05 The Road Ahead: Future Aspirations and Goals
Additional Resources
In this podcast episode, Chris Cappy shares his unique journey from being an infantryman in the National Guard to pursuing a career in media and film. Chris reflects on the challenges he faced transitioning back to civilian life and education at NYU after deployment, the importance of storytelling, and the value of education in shaping his career. Chris takes shares his journey from film school to becoming a production assistant at The Daily Show, his evolution into a content creator, the importance of resilience in the face of criticism, and his experiences as a war correspondent in Ukraine.
Main Topics
00:00 Introduction to Chris Cappy
01:04 Chris's Early Life and Military Journey
06:03 The Decision to Enlist in the Military
11:06 Deployment Experience in Iraq
18:02 Transitioning Back to Civilian Life and Education
23:31 Navigating NYU and Veteran Identity
27:09 The Journey from Film School to The Daily Show
30:37 Transitioning from Comedy to Corporate America
31:55 The Path to Content Creation
36:55 Embracing Feedback and Building Resilience
44:45 Becoming a War Correspondent in Ukraine
50:16 Advice for Aspiring Creators
Additional Resources