Salute to Service with Felicia

Transcript

Up next, we’re gonna meet Felicia. She’s a senior psychology major with a minor in management, who went back to school after a long, successful military career. Jacksonville University is consistently recognized as a military-friendly university. That’s because JU works to create a strong community among active duty and veteran students by investing in the resources to support them. Felicia, the floor is all yours, ma’am.

– Thank you so much, Alex, for the introduction. Hello, everyone. After graduating high school, I decided to serve my country in the United States Navy, and later, in the United States Army. Upon retiring in 2017, I decided to pursue a college degree. I wanted a school that was not just military friendly, but also military inclusive. Jacksonville University is consistently named one of the top military-friendly schools by “U.S. News & World Report,” “GI Jobs,” and “USA Today.” One of the things that impressed me about JU was the Defenders Den, a space just for student veterans. The Defenders Den is like my second home, and the JU veteran community, well, that’s like my second family. At first, I was a little lost. Being a non-traditional student after more than 20 years in the military has its challenges, but JU has such an amazing support system. From the Veterans and Military Resource Center to the Student Counseling Center, professors, advisors, and even the student veterans themselves, I was constantly encouraged to keep going. That’s what set JU apart. No student is left behind, not on their watch. Today, I am President of Student Veterans of America, here at JU. We host a barbecue every semester where students and faculty can connect. We also host one-on-one academic advising sessions just for student veterans. And we are gearing up for our first ever military career fair. Nothing has been more rewarding and challenging than my experience at Jacksonville University, which has prepared me for a successful civilian career. JU has reminded me how resilient I am and that I can accomplish anything if I work hard. Next up for me, I am pursuing grad school in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at JU and becoming a double Dolphin. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Amen to that. I love your energy and your determination, Felicia. From everyone here at the college tour and our Dolphin family, thank you for your service to our country and good luck in grad school.