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 Introductions01:22 Personal Journeys to Princeton04:28 Military Backgrounds and Transition Experiences11:31 Expectations and Challenges as Women Veterans in Ivy League16:21 Unique Perspectives and Contributions on Campus26:43 Creating Supportive Communities for Women Veterans36:12 Forming the Women Veterans Group at Princeton44:56 Advice for Future Women Veterans in Higher Education52:22 Final Reflections and Words of EncouragementResources:Service to SchoolPrinceton Admissions for US Military

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 Veterans07:14 Understanding the Transition from Military to College11:02 Navigating the Internship Landscape15:24 Real-Life Impact of Internships20:49 Leveraging Alumni Networks24:53 Common Mistakes and Misconceptions26:07 Key Advice for Veterans on InternshipsResources: Villanova University Veterans Support OfficeServices for Veterans at VillanovaAdmissions Support for Veterans

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 Journey02:48 Understanding the College Admissions Process06:00 Relocating for Community College08:15 Navigating Community College Challenges11:08 Transitioning from Workforce to Classroom13:58 The Application Process and Admissions Decisions18:39 Evaluating Admissions Offers21:57 Financial Considerations in College Admissions25:33 Advice for Veterans Entering College30:16 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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 Veterans01:17 Support Systems in Community Colleges04:02 Navigating the Transition to Higher Education06:41 The Importance of Outreach and Connection09:32 Collaboration Across Campus Departments12:16 Academic Advising and Transfer Planning22:19 The Power of Mentorship23:43 Navigating Community College for UCs and CSUs28:16 Academic Counseling and Support Systems33:48 Dispelling Myths About Community College39:22 Final Advice for Veterans in Community CollegeResources Diablo Valley CollegeService to SchoolCalVet Benefits

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Service to School05:12 Understanding the Service to School Timeline10:06 Preparing for Higher Education: Early Steps15:12 Navigating Academic Credits and Course Selection19:54 Crafting Your Narrative: Military Experience and Admissions25:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for Future StudentsResourcesService to School WebsiteCollege Fair and WebinarsVeterans Education Benefits Guide

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 Education05:06 The Impact of Mentorship on College Admissions11:10 Building a Network Through Mentorship14:04 Maintaining Relationships Beyond College Applications16:37 Trends in Mentorship and Education for Veterans20:30 Qualities of an Effective Mentor24:46 Navigating Feedback in Mentorship28:43 The Unique Value of Mentorship for Military Applicants31:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections34:28 S2S Stories Podcast Outro Video.mp4Additional Resources: Become a mentor with S2S

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 Life02:42 The Role of Education in Personal Growth05:45 Overcoming Bureaucratic Challenges in Admissions08:26 The Importance of Holistic Admissions Processes11:03 Writing Essays: Sharing Difficult Experiences13:56 Demonstrating Resilience Through Personal Narratives16:47 The Power of Authenticity in Admissions Essays19:42 Advice for Veterans on Writing Their Stories22:32 Final Thoughts on the Admissions JourneyAdditional resources: Amherst College Admissions

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 Journey03:09 Navigating Higher Education: The Role of Service to School06:04 Choosing the Right School: The Importance of Fit08:52 Overcoming Challenges: Transitioning from Military to College12:00 The Application Process: Strategies and Insights14:42 Building Relationships: The Value of Faculty Support17:35 Planning for the Future: Pursuing an MBA and Beyond22:35 Strategic Major Selection and Backwards Planning27:05 Choosing the Right MBA Program28:46 Navigating the Application Process32:59 Academic and Personal Surprises at Booth34:38 The Veteran Community at Booth36:44 Lessons Learned from Military to Academia38:40 Adding Value as a Veteran in Academia41:14 Encouragement for Veterans Considering Higher EducationAdditional Resources: Work with Service to School (S2S)

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 Programs02:57 Navigating the Admissions Process for Veteran Applicants05:47 Understanding Brown's Unique Veteran Application08:47 Holistic Review in Admissions: What Matters?12:06 The Role of Community in Veteran Success14:51 The Office of Military Affiliate Students: A Support System17:56 Innovative Programs for Veteran Integration20:57 The Impact of Veterans in the Classroom24:08 Career Outcomes and Alumni Network for Veterans26:55 Final Advice for Prospective Veteran StudentsAdditional Resources: Work with Service to School (S2S)Brown University's U.S. Military Veteran's ApplicationBrown UniversityVetLink Partners

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 Navy03:00 – “I Was Good at School — I Just Didn’t Like It”04:50 – Applying to Princeton as a First-Year Veteran06:20 – Showing Maturity Through Essays07:45 – Choosing Princeton and Planning for Med School09:25 – Lining Up the Path to Medicine11:10 – Early Assurance and the Road to Rutgers15:30 – The Toughest Challenge: Failing the MCAT17:15 – Adjusting to Life at Princeton20:00 – Building a Social Life (and Staying Humble)23:45 – Dating as a Veteran on Campus26:20 – Inside the Early Assurance Process31:45 – Transitioning to Med School34:30 – Building a New Community at Rutgers36:45 – Advice for Veterans Pursuing Medicine38:50 – Closing ReflectionsAdditional Resources: Work with Service to School (S2S)Princeton UniversityVetLink Partners Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPrinceton University Health Professions Advising (HPA)Early Assurance Program (Princeton–Rutgers)