Empowering Veteran Success with Marcus

Transcript

Okay, let’s head over to the center of Tempe’s campus to meet Marcus. He has a great story and is gonna speak about veteran support and community here at Arizona State University Marcus, you’re up.

Ya’at’eeh. That means hello in Navajo. I’m a Navajo Nation citizen, I’m a United States Air Force veteran, and I’m an Arizona State University Sun Devil, so go Devils. Currently, I’m pursuing my doctoral degree in civil environmental and sustainable engineering. My research is in exploring and developing capacity in construction management education and training for rural areas and on tribal lands.

I arrived at ASU as a 30-year-old sophomore transfer student. I didn’t know anyone nor was I familiar with the area. It was exciting and scary all at once. I never thought I’d be a student at a state university, even more unbelievable as one as large as ASU. The most exciting first moments that I remember was stepping foot in the campus fitness center and seeing Sparky on the floor and everywhere, even on the weights. My second moment was finishing my very first class. It was real. I am a Sun Devil. What was missing was friends. So I started searching for others like me.

So who am I? I’m a 30-year-old Air Force veteran who found my way back to school. I needed to find others like me. ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center hosts welcome events and academic and career development programs specifically designed for military and military affiliated service members. This is where we meet each other. They create an environment for student veterans to transition into their academic careers. Here’s where it all begins. Many student veterans become CEOs, entrepreneurs, presidents of nonprofit organizations, researchers, and professors. I’ve made lifelong friends who are like family, just like we did in the military, only now our mission is education.

One thing I wish I had known before I got out of the service was that ASU has full online degree programs. The same award-winning professors that teach here on campus are the same professors that teach these degrees online. You can access and start your higher education career from anywhere in the world. And talking about my experience here at ASU, I have to say it has been exceptional. I work here and I study here. This institution has provided me with the opportunity to work with tribal nations and the construction industry nationwide.

Because of ASU and working with student veterans, I’ve been invited to the White House to discuss Native American veteran issues. I’ve met members of Congress, members of the Cabinet, State leaders, and higher education professionals to talk about Native American student issues today. I wake up every day thankful that I get paid to work with tribes, that I get to do research here with leading experts in my field of study, and I get to do it all here at ASU. And back to you, Alex.

Marcus, that was fantastic. First off, thank you for your service. And it is awesome to hear how ASU is supporting veterans and helping so many accomplish their dreams. That was great. Thanks again, Marcus.