Hello everyone, my name is Seth. I was born and raised in Korea, and my family moved to Los Angeles when I was in high school. After serving in the Army as a Petroleum Specialist/ Battalion Commander’s Assistant, I started attending Onondaga Community College. A number of veterans supported my transition from the military to college, and I want to do the same for other veterans. As a first-generation immigrant and first-generation college student, I am particularly passionate about helping veterans with Asian or immigrant background.

Academically, I’m studying International and Public Affairs at Brown University. At Brown, I’m serving on the student veteran society as the Vice President of Programming and a member of the student working group called Leadership Development Initiative. Moreover, I’m the founder of Dunder Mifflin College (DMC) and the Regional Manager of DMC Brown University Branch. I strongly believe that it is DMC Brown University Branch’s responsibility to share the joy we gained from The Office with the world.

Outside the classroom, I spend most time training for my next triathlon race; I’m a huge cardio nerd. The Green Bay Packers has another special place in my heart, and as a Los Angeles resident, I support the Lakers.

Originally from upstate New York, I enlisted in the Navy immediately after graduating from high school in 2009. After spending almost seven years on active duty service, I left to pursue my dream of attending college. I enrolled at SUNY Broome Community College and earned an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies with high honors while working full-time as a litigation paralegal.

I had initially planned on transferring to Binghamton University. However, I happened to meet someone who attended school at Cornell University and convinced me to apply. At the time, I really didn’t think that applying to an Ivy League School was reasonable or realistic. After much cajoling, I applied to the Cornell University ILR School and William and Mary without any expectations of success. Much to my surprise, I got into every school that I applied to and am currently in the process of applying to law school.

As a first-generation college student, navigating the educational system was challenging because I had no perspective with respect to my actual value or what to expect from college in general. As such, I am committed to helping fellow veterans realize their potential. I continue to serve in the Navy Reserves and have been affiliated with the Navy for a total of 10 years.

Hi, my name is Kyle, and I am fortunate to be a Next Step Inbound (NSI) representative at the College of Charleston. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where I spent most of my time focusing on sports, such as football, baseball, and golf. After I graduated high school, I thought I would never pursue academics again. At 17 years old, I enlisted into the United States Marine Corps (USMC). I proudly served five years as a Reconnaissance Marine in freefall teams at both 3rd and 1st Force Reconnaissance Companies, where I served as a Scout and Assistant Team Leader. I traveled worldwide, training and deploying, not realizing any of these experiences would significantly impact me when I transitioned into academia.

The experiences I had in the USMC as a Recon Marine helped me grow and mature a tremendous amount. During this time, I concluded that I had a passion for medicine. Amid my active-duty service, I attended the University of Maryland’s online program and became certified as an EMT. After separating from the military, I applied to the College of Charleston to pursue a degree in Exercise Science. Despite my lack of high school academic performance, I quickly realized the relentless mentality and character traits that all service members have, play a significant role in academic success. Moving forward, my next step is to apply to Medical School or Physician Assistant School.

Currently, I am a Nursing Assistant at the Medical University of South Carolina. When I am not studying, I love surfing, weightlifting, and training my border collie, Scipio! I am very excited to work with you and be a part of NSI! I know how challenging the transition to college, and civilian life can be, but I assure you, you can do it. I’m here to help you navigate through the process, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or issues.

My name is Hayden McGrath, and I am from a rural town outside Dallas, Texas. Shortly after graduating from High School, I left for the Marine Corps with almost no ambition of ever attending college. I spent my time on active duty traveling internationally, training, and assisting foreign military units. This experience rooted my passion for education. After nine years, I decided to explore my own educational opportunities; in 2019, I left active duty and matriculated at Columbia University as a full-time student. Without the help and close support of my peers and fellow veterans, I could have never imagined getting into a top 25 school. Once in attendance, I have realized the strong network of veterans that provide assistance, guidance, and, more importantly, a community to ease the transition from active duty. While the transition can be challenging, in my first year at Columbia, I quickly recognized that the traits developed during service not only help veterans succeed in the classroom but, by sharing their experiences, also expand the classroom dialogue and better shape perspectives of the world for other students. Once I learned about NSI and its mission to help veterans succeed after their service, I felt compelled to join and share any information I have. Aside from the classroom, I spend my time in New York surfing Rockaway Beach, Rock climbing in the Shawangunk Mountains, and exploring the endless opportunities in New York City.

My Coast Guard enlistment took me from Maine to California to the Caribbean and to many places in between. Even as an Information Systems Technician, I was a part of search and rescue missions, maritime law enforcement boardings, migrant interception, interdiction of drug-traffickers, and dozens of shipboard firefighting drills. I loved my Coast Guard experience but decided that I wanted to complete my college education at a four-year school liberal arts school. Almost by accident, I discovered Service to School and was thrilled to find that top schools were hungry for student veterans. Soon I was paired with a Service to School sponsor who was a sophomore at Dartmouth College and a Posse Scholar.

It’s a few years later and now I’m a senior at Dartmouth College and a Posse Veteran scholar myself. I’m an Art History major and a big fan of the liberal arts approach to education. In addition to enjoying my academic experience at Dartmouth, I’ve also been a part of the Dartmouth Mountain Biking Club and have served as President of the Student Veterans Association. This past winter break, I completed the Tuck Bridge Business Program, as I plan on pursuing a career in business, specifically in the cloud tech industry. As for my non-academic interests—I’m very passionate about Veteran’s education and mental/physical fitness.

Welcome! My name is Alex McPherson, and I’m from Montgomery County, Maryland. I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2015 and spent four years as a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. Before the military, I was a subpar high school student and college dropout. My experiences as a Marine, however, instilled a drive to continue my pursuit of higher education. After EAS’ing in 2019, I enrolled in my local community college with aspirations of attending Georgetown University. After two semesters of hard work, I received my acceptance letter to Georgetown in the summer of 2020, and as I write this, I have successfully completed my first semester as a transfer student. I am very much looking forward to working with you and all the warrior scholars here at Next Step Inbound. Together, I am confident we can help you realize the magnitude of your full potential.
All the best,
Alex

Growing up, I was not really into academics. I didn’t do homework at all, ever, and I started skipping in elementary school. I eventually dropped out of high school to get my GED during my senior year. I received an associate’s degree from a shady for-profit college that no longer exists before joining the Navy in 2009 due to economic hardship.

In the Navy, I was a Nuclear Electronics Technician/Reactor Operator/Nuke. I knew almost immediately that I wasn’t a lifer because I’m not a fan of rules and structure. However, I did learn the discipline to function in such an environment, and I finished my entire, long, 6-year contract.

Getting out of the Navy was really hard for me. I flew back from a deployment in the Middle East and lost my job, income, home, and friends all at once. Luckily, I was able to focus my energy on my studies and some extracurriculars at Tacoma Community College. I was trying to transfer into my state’s top public university, but on a whim decided to apply to the number one public and private universities in the country for my major. I may have overshot my state school goals because I got into MIT.

At MIT, I’m course 6-2 (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science). The veteran community is very small, so I’m an officer for a student organization that includes both graduate and undergraduate students. Our mission is to make MIT more veteran-friendly as well as build a stronger veteran network among the student body. To go along with this, we encourage our fellow veterans to apply to MIT or any other university they may have doubts about getting into.

I feel like I’ve lived three very different lives, and my favorite thing is to encourage and help others who may have had a few bumps in the road but are just as deserving and capable as any other elite university student.

My name is Sam Fendler, and I’m from Parsippany, New Jersey. I served in the Marine Corps for five years as an Infantry Rifleman and spent time with 3rd Battalion 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines, and, finally, with the Dugout Platoon at The Basic School where I became a Master Warfighting Instructor. My passion for teaching and learning blossomed during my time in the Dugout, and I brought this newfound energy with me to Penn State in the fall of 2016 after leaving active duty. Two years later, I matriculated at Princeton University as a member of the first cohort of students to be accepted into the University’s newly revived transfer program. Since then, I’ve focused much of my time and effort on helping the student veteran community at Princeton and beyond. I’m grateful that NSI has provided me with a new avenue to connect with veterans who are determined to study at our country’s best colleges. I’m looking forward to working with as many of you as possible!

I am originally from Huron, South Dakota. I know, now you have met someone from South Dakota. I enlisted in the United States Navy after graduating from high school in 2009. I am currently an undergraduate student at Stanford University, majoring in Computer Science. I am enthusiastic about supporting education in technology for women and girls and well as breaking down barriers associated with STEM. I am not a natural at math, but I believe it’s worth all the pain. Additionally, I am an officer in Stanford’s Undergraduate Veterans Association, where we are attempting to build on our small, but mighty, community of veteran undergraduates.

I served in the United States Navy for ten years. No one ever told me I could apply the skills and discipline I learned in the Navy in my pursuit of higher education. No one told me that I could or that I should apply to elite universities. I believe that is a tragedy. There are many high achieving veterans waiting to pursue their dreams; all they need is the road map to help them along the path. I am committed to helping others reach their goals through education.

Hi, everyone! My name is Kevin. I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I enlisted in the Navy as a Yeoman right after graduating high school. My initial intentions were to serve four years and then get out to attend college full-time. I ended up really enjoying my first few years and decided to reenlist for various reasons each time. I was able to extensively travel throughout Europe while I was stationed in Italy, which sparked a passion for learning about new cultures and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

After ten years of service, I decided to pursue my dream of higher education. I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley. I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies Field (ISF), which allows me to study what I want, create my own approved plan, and write a senior research thesis.

Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family, cooking brunch, binging television shows, and traveling.

I was fortunate to have experienced a smooth transition, and I want to advise other veterans in any way that I can. I volunteer for NSI because my passion is to help my fellow veterans achieve their goals, so please reach out with any questions/concerns!

Fiat Lux & GO BEARS!

Hi, I’m Kaedy, and I am proud to represent the University of Chicago as an NSI Associate. I grew up in Huntsville, AL, and worked as a makeup artist prior to joining the U.S. Navy at age 25. I served ten years in the Navy as a Cryptologic Linguist (CTI), Aircrewman, and Instructor. I received my Associate’s in Arabic from the Defense Language Institute then deployed to the Mediterranean and Afghanistan with Special Operations Command, after which I headed to Chicago as an instructor and International Military Training Officer.

I separated in July of 2019 and was selected for a scholarship to the University of Chicago as part of their inaugural veteran cohort. I am an incoming Sophomore —majoring in Comparative Human Development— and I plan to go into human capital strategy or consulting. Prior to matriculation, I attended Warrior-Scholar Project at Syracuse in 2017; Next Step- Transition to Business at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in 2018; and FourBlock Veteran Transition Program in Chicago in 2018.

I am a founder and President of the UChicago Veteran Scholars League (SVA Chapter) and very passionate about advocating for veterans. I am always more than happy to answer any questions about transition, the VA disability process, vets in higher ed, networking, and life on campus. My boyfriend Jon and I live with our very large, furry dog, Loki, in Chicago. I am an avid plant, makeup, and fashion lover, and in my free time, I love stand-up paddleboarding, camping, and spending time with my family in WY.

My name is Noah Althuis, and I’m from Jacksonville, Florida. Like many veterans, growing up, I had an unstable home environment, moving year after year across the US and Europe and attending six different schools over an 8-year period. Although I had a multitude of unique and eye-opening experiences, my youth made me feel like it was impossible to reach my full academic potential by the time I graduated high school. At 17, I enlisted in the USMC Reserves as a 1345 Heavy Equipment Operator, learning the commitment, discipline, and hard work necessary to take control of my financial and academic future.

I started college studying at UNF, a smaller state school in Jacksonville. While there, I decided to make the best of the opportunity in front of me and became deeply invested in my academics and student organizations. Nevertheless, after three years of hard work at UNF and a “full” college experience (with a less than perfect GPA to show for it), I applied for the opportunity to attend one of the top engineering schools in the southeast and transferred to the University of Florida. I am now entering my (super) senior year, studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Sales Engineering.

Like many of you reading this, I’ve had countless setbacks, unforeseen roadblocks, and sleepless nights full of self-doubt. Physical challenges and mental hardships left me wondering if I could fulfill my dreams of attending a top university. The lessons I learned in the service fortified my strength and confidence and helped me discover that I could achieve whatever I set out to do while also giving me the drive to perform to the best of my abilities. I am proud to be a Florida Gator, and it’s an honor to be a part of this team at Next Step Inbound to help you also turn your mightiest goals into realities and attend the top university of your choice. Whatever I, or anyone on the Next Step team, could do to help, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Hi everyone! My name is Murphy Edson, a proud representative of the Next Step Inbound (NSI) team and student veteran at the University of Michigan. My path to academics may sound familiar to many of you, or to service members you know. Before enlisting in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, I attended community college in Austin, Texas for a semester with pretty horrendous results. As an 18-year-old without a sense of personal responsibility or direction, academics seemed like an unnecessary chore that I wanted nothing to do with. My eventual academic probation in college kick-started my enlistment into the Navy, ultimately becoming one of the most important blessings in disguise that I’ve ever experienced.

The Navy provided me with that direction and sense of responsibility that I lacked, and it offered me exposure to uncomfortable challenges that I find myself continuously embracing today. The joy I had every day working as a Hospital Corpsman, and the joy of practicing medicine alongside physicians, nurses, and my friends painted no clearer picture than that of pursuing the challenges of advanced collegiate studies, all starting with undergraduate studies here at the University of Michigan. Now, I’m studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, with a minor in Global Health in International Studies. I hope to earn an M.D. and work alongside international aid organizations as a non-profit healthcare provider.

As the last year of my enlistment winded down, I scoured veteran pages like NSI reading the bios and reaching out to the vets enrolled in the best schools in the nation. The best part about talking to them was learning how similar they are to all of us – everyday veterans who strive for that next level and are fueled with a desire to keep growing. If you are anything like I was – curious, excited, and eager to know everything about admissions and what it means to be a student veteran – please reach out to me or any campus representative! I’m grateful for what NSI has provided me in my transition and I’m eager to see what we can do for you.

After spending two years at a state school in Connecticut, Jon Longcoy enlisted in the Army just before his 23rd birthday. Devoid of motivation at school, he believed that joining the Army would fulfill his need to test his physical, mental, and emotional limitations. Jon spent the majority of his five-year military career with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he specialized as a Sniper in a Reconnaissance Platoon.

While on active duty, Jon began taking classes at a local community college. After an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Fordham University as an economics major, where he spent three semesters. With the encouragement of a professor, Jon applied and was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania.

Now, in his senior year, Jon is currently studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with a concentration in Choice and Behavior. Jon holds volunteer roles as the President of the Student Veterans Association at Penn, Treasurer of the Ivy League Veterans Council, Assistant Treasurer of the United War Veterans Council, and works as an Ambassador for Service to School. Additionally, Jon competes for Penn’s Ski Team.

Jon claims that his success in gaining acceptance into Fordham, Penn, and beyond was through utilizing the expansive network of veterans and veteran organizations. Without the encouragement and assistance of several individuals and organizations, he does not believe he would be where he is today. Service members share a comradery that is second to none. And, organizations such as Next-Step Inbound are a resource that you – as a current or prior service member – fought hard to earn.

My name is Sage Clark, and I am from Santa Clarita, California. In short, I graduated high school at the bottom of my class with a 2.0 GPA and am now studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern California. After trying and failing at a local community college, I decided to join the Marine Corps, where I knew I would gain the discipline that was necessary for me to be successful in life. To be honest, though, I didn’t think it would be in school. I spent the first half of my five-year contract in Okinawa, Japan, attached to the 1st MAW, MACG-18, MACS-4 TAOC unit. In a highly technical MOS, I learned how to study and grew a passion for learning. Traveling all over the Pacific and doing exceptionally in my field made me want more. I gained the confidence to try school again when I returned stateside to Camp Pendleton. Here I put all my effort into finding all of the resources that were available to veterans. I am excited to pass all that I have learned to other veterans and show that the opportunities are endless.

Originally from Spokane, Washington, I grew up snowboarding, skateboarding, and giving little thought to my education. After high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do, and after a couple of failed attempts at college, I decided it was time to enlist in the military. I joined the Navy as a Builder when I was 21 and was stationed in Ventura, California, with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4. In my five-year enlistment, I deployed once to Afghanistan and twice to the Philippines.

The Navy helped me discover who I was and what I was capable of. And with my first enlistment coming to an end, I was ready to be a civilian again. Following the advice of my girlfriend (now wife), I immediately enrolled in community college at San Diego Mesa College. Right away, I realized that my hard work ethic, along with my desire to never sleep in the dirt again, largely contributed to new study habits. Starting with intermediate algebra, I worked harder than ever to learn the basics of math. Before the Navy, I failed pre-algebra three times. Now I study civil engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, one of the top engineering schools in the country.

When I am not studying, I lift weights, kayak, and work part-time at the Student Veteran Services (SVS) at UT. At the SVS, I help both veterans and their dependents navigate the application process, use their VA benefits, and answer any other questions regarding their education.

I thank you for your service and applaud your decision to go back to school. I know that applying to schools can be intimidating, so please, do not hesitate to reach out. We have been there, and now we are here to help.

My name is Mark Griego, and I am originally from Carson, CA, or the greater Los Angeles area. I first enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2012, at the age of 21. I enlisted and signed as a Korean Cryptologic Linguist and SIGINT Operator. I was with 3rd Radio Battalion on MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and did one rotation with III MEF on the 31st MEU. Currently, I am an undergraduate at Villanova University, pursuing my bachelor’s in Computer Engineering. Following my EAS, I moved into the area, and Villanova was the first school I set my sights on. Our basketball team won their second National Championship in 3 years only shortly after making my decision. This definitely reinforced my decision to attend Villanova.

I found myself getting involved early at the local community college prior to attending Villanova. My goal was for us to become an official Student Veterans of America chapter, which was accomplished. The second goal was to build relationships with incoming veterans to build a small community of like-minded individuals. This, too, was a success. I wanted to ensure that local veterans and veterans that were not form the area, like myself, had a second family to turn to. It was important to me that these individuals were allotted the same network, resources, and opportunities as every other veteran around the country. In the midst of this, I also got to meet some great friends and built relationships that will last a lifetime.

My goal at Villanova is to accomplish the same exact thing. We are a growing veteran population and recently became an official Student Veterans of America chapter. I believe it is our duty as veterans to continue that mentality of “never leaving a buddy behind.” There is a substantial amount of untapped potential in the military and more than enough individuals that possess the intellectual capacity required to attend prestigious universities. With this in mind, I am excited to bring in more of that untapped potential with my fellow associates here at Next Step Inbound and create opportunities that some who may have felt were out of their reach.

Hey there, it’s my pleasure to meet you! My name is Jaime Vidaurre, but my friends call me V. I was born in Peru and grew up in Paterson, NJ, until I enlisted in the Navy at the age of 20 where I fulfilled the duties of a Torpedoman in the Submarine Force for 5 years before transitioning to Submarine Support in the Navy Reserves for 2 years.

Educational journeys can be complex and unique. My journey continues as a Posse Scholar at the University of Virginia, where I’m pursuing a Pre-med track and Global Studies while enjoying the beautiful sport of rowing. The community here has been nothing short of extraordinary and supportive.

I’m honored to have the opportunity to assist in fulfilling the vision of NSI and help provide the resources that may be needed for you to accomplish your goals of attending a higher place of education. I’m only one person, but my support system consists of an extremely talented group of resourceful Veterans here at UVA who are all willing to help you succeed.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the University of Virginia or about school in general.

Hello, my name is Anthony J. Ventura; I am a Senior at the College of William and Mary, as well as the Vice president at Student Veterans of William & Mary. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and I joined the United States Navy in 2010. I served as a Search and Rescue Swimmer conducting counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, then cross-rated to Religious Programs Specialist (RP). As an RP, I served alongside the United States Marines performing force protection for chaplains and trained Marines in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. After my third deployment, I left the Navy in 2018 to pursue my dream of attending the College of William & Mary (W&M).

When I arrived in the Williamsburg area, I started my journey in higher education at Thomas Nelson Community College, and after one year, I felt ready to tackle the academic challenge that W&M offered. I am currently studying Business Analytics and Data Science at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, and I could not be more pleased with my overall experience.

After graduating from W&M, I plan to continue my analytics education by pursuing a master’s degree in Business Analytics and then continuing a civil service career. As I look forward to my next step, I could not be more ecstatic to help you with yours. So, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your questions or concerns. I look forward to working with each of you, and I cannot wait to see you on campus!

Welcome to Next Step Inbound (NSI), I’m Kurt Nowak and I’m the NSI Associate for Yale University. I entered Yale in the fall of 2018 under the Eli Whitney Program and belong to Yale’s best residential college: Grace Hopper. I’m a political science major with the class of ’22 and have a particular concentration in grand strategy and economics. I’m involved with the Yale Veterans Association and the William F. Buckley Program. My wife and I also have a vivacious toddler who does his best to keep us busy.

I’m originally from Toledo, Ohio, and enlisted in the Navy following my graduation from Central Catholic High School in 2008. I served in the Navy for ten years as an Intelligence Specialist and served in a variety of roles across the globe. Following my return from a deployment in 2015, I knew that I was ready to complete my college education but didn’t want an online degree. As such, I figured that the University of Florida would be an attainable goal – I would have never imagined that our nation’s top universities would be an option for someone like me – and began taking night school courses at my local community college in order to complete the prerequisites for admission. Additionally, I began networking with veterans across a variety of industries in order to see what I’d like to ultimately do in my post-military career. Long story short, I completed my AA in Business Administration from Miami Dade College in 2017 but never ended up applying to UF. Through my own research, focusing on my career goals, and a supportive chain of command, I was ultimately admitted to Yale. I still have a hard time believing it.

Throughout my military career, I was consistently humbled by the sheer amount of talent in our enlisted corps. By no fault of their own, many of our enlisted peers are unaware of the educational opportunities offered to them at our top institutions and what they can do to best position themselves in order to gain admittance. Through NSI, I’m excited to help my brothers and sisters understand their options, navigate the admissions process, and share my experiences and lessons learned along the way.