Veteran’s Resource and Opportunity Center & Business Program

Transcript

College of San Mateo has some pretty amazing support programs for students. Let’s hear from Briana, a Navy veteran who came to CSM because of the Veteran Center and the Child Development Center that her son attends. Briana is a business major with big, big plans for her future. Take it away, Briana.

– Thanks, Alex. I just spent six and a half amazing years in the Navy. Unfortunately, my time came to an end and I was medically retired. After leaving the service, I became responsible for raising a young child. I realized that pursuing a college education was the next logical step for me. I knew that I wanted to study business, take advantage of my military benefits, and get additional support with my childcare, especially while my husband was on active duty. College of San Mateo provided me with all three. They have an active Veterans Resource and Opportunity Center, a robust business program, and a Child Development Center that offers childcare to students and employees. I primarily spend my time on campus in the Veterans Resource and Opportunity Center, a remarkable community that the veterans have established here at CSM. This community provides us with support for problem solving, knowledge sharing, and maintaining the comradery that I sought after leaving the service. The Child Development Center on campus is an amazing resource that allows me to focus on my schooling while providing an environment for my son to thrive. My son is so happy here and the staff treats us like family. This service I received from the college and the CDC has allowed me to engage in the campus community. As such, I recently became the Business Club president. This has allowed me the opportunity to engage with my peers with common interests. Once I graduate, I plan to establish my own business aimed to aid my community that organizes more diverse and inclusive events. My time in the Navy and at CSM has taught me to appreciate and embrace other cultures. These are some of the principles that I wanna incorporate into my business. Back to you, Alex.

– Briana, thanks so much for letting us know about the resources for veterans and parents at College of San Mateo. It’s so great that CSM supports their veteran and parent students. Thank you for your service to our country, and thank you for sharing your story here today. Take care.