University Partnerships with Jeffery

Transcript

I cannot wait for you to meet Jeffery, a military veteran from El Paso, Texas, who uprooted his life to see what the world had in store for him. It’s a voyage that took him from the depth of the ocean to the shores of Olympic College and its partner institution, Western Washington University. You’re up, Jeffery.

– Thank you, Alex. I’m here to share my extraordinary journey, one that took me from the depths of the ocean to the halls at Olympic College and onto a bachelor’s program here at Western on the Peninsula. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I was surrounded by family and a close-knit group of friends. Life was comfortable, but adventure was calling. Two weeks after graduating high school, I found myself in bootcamp, ready for my next chapter. I served on submarines in the Navy, learning the value of teamwork while being deployed with my shipmates. After my second enlistment, I became a commercial diver, embracing the challenges of working on underwater projects. But then came a new challenge, college at the age of 33. I was skeptical and nervous, wondering if I could navigate through this new environment. That’s when I found OC and the incredible support at the Military & Veterans Programs. The Military & Veterans Support Center became my second home. The resources available, the people I met, they gave me the confidence I needed. Just like the close-knit teams I was used to back home, in submarines and as a diver, I felt that comradery here. I didn’t justify my confidence here. I found my purpose with countless leadership opportunities and became president of OC Student Veterans of America Chapter. My role at the college allowed me to speak to the state legislator and advocate for funding to make college more affordable for those in need. Through OC’s partnership with Western Washington University, I was able to transfer to the Bachelor’s of Business Administration Program here at the Poulsbo campus. Through hard work and determination, we can all achieve great things. Back to you, Alex.

– Thank you, Jeffery. OC has the second largest population of military-connected students of any college or university in all of Washington State. And thanks to partnerships with Western, Washington State University and Old Dominion Global, students can complete their bachelor’s degree locally without having to travel across Puget Sound. Cheers, Jeffery.