In this episode of Service to School Stories, Emma Parish, Director of Student Advising, sits down with S2S applicant & Ambassador pair Denver Barrows and Cayde Bruce to explore the power of peer mentorship in the veteran-to-college journey.

They dig into how strong mentor–mentee relationships are built, why they matter, and the real impact they can have on your admissions strategy and confidence. Denver and Cayde share what makes mentorship work, the trends they’re seeing across the veteran community, and the qualities that set great mentors apart.

You’ll also hear honest insights about navigating the unique challenges military-affiliated applicants face and how having someone in your corner can change everything.

The episode closes with practical guidance for both mentors and mentees, plus inspiring reminders of why mentorship is one of the most transformative parts of the Service to School experience.

00:00 Introduction to Mentorship in Education

05:06 The Impact of Mentorship on College Admissions

11:10 Building a Network Through Mentorship

14:04 Maintaining Relationships Beyond College Applications

16:37 Trends in Mentorship and Education for Veterans

20:30 Qualities of an Effective Mentor

24:46 Navigating Feedback in Mentorship

28:43 The Unique Value of Mentorship for Military Applicants

31:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

34:28 S2S Stories Podcast Outro Video.mp4

Additional Resources: 

Become a mentor with S2S

In this powerful episode of Service to School Stories, host Whitney Cason sits down with Army veteran Nate Tiegs and admissions expert Nick Fritz for an honest, deeply human conversation about what it really takes for veterans to transition into higher education.

Nate opens up about the parts of his journey that rarely make it into polished application essays — facing homelessness, battling bureaucracy, and learning to advocate for himself. His story is raw, real, and a reminder that resilience isn’t theoretical for veterans; it’s lived. Nick brings the admissions perspective, breaking down what colleges actually look for in veteran applicants, why vulnerability matters, and how maturity and self-awareness can become your strongest assets in a holistic review process.

Together, Nate and Nick reveal how authenticity, courage, and a willingness to tell your full story can transform the admissions experience — and why veterans are uniquely prepared to succeed in the classroom and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for any veteran preparing to apply to college, anyone supporting veterans through the transition, or anyone who needs a reminder that your story has power.

00:00 Navigating the Transition from Military to Civilian Life

02:42 The Role of Education in Personal Growth

05:45 Overcoming Bureaucratic Challenges in Admissions

08:26 The Importance of Holistic Admissions Processes

11:03 Writing Essays: Sharing Difficult Experiences

13:56 Demonstrating Resilience Through Personal Narratives

16:47 The Power of Authenticity in Admissions Essays

19:42 Advice for Veterans on Writing Their Stories

22:32 Final Thoughts on the Admissions Journey

Additional resources: 

Amherst College Admissions

In this episode of Service to School Stories, Whitney sits down with Javier Kazmierczak — a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier whose path from the military to higher education is anything but ordinary.

Javier opens up about the real challenges behind his transition, from navigating the college admissions maze to figuring out what “fit” truly means for veterans stepping onto campus for the first time. He shares how mentorship, community, and the right support system — including Service to School — helped him chart a path forward with confidence and clarity.

Whether he’s breaking down application strategies, talking through the power of networking, or reflecting on his surprise moments as a student at Chicago Booth, Javier brings honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation.

This episode is packed with insights for any veteran considering higher education — and a reminder that your military experience isn’t just relevant in the classroom, it’s a strength.

00:00 From Military to Academia: Javier's Journey

03:09 Navigating Higher Education: The Role of Service to School

06:04 Choosing the Right School: The Importance of Fit

08:52 Overcoming Challenges: Transitioning from Military to College

12:00 The Application Process: Strategies and Insights

14:42 Building Relationships: The Value of Faculty Support

17:35 Planning for the Future: Pursuing an MBA and Beyond

22:35 Strategic Major Selection and Backwards Planning

27:05 Choosing the Right MBA Program

28:46 Navigating the Application Process

32:59 Academic and Personal Surprises at Booth

34:38 The Veteran Community at Booth

36:44 Lessons Learned from Military to Academia

38:40 Adding Value as a Veteran in Academia

41:14 Encouragement for Veterans Considering Higher Education

Additional Resources:

• Work with Service to School (S2S)

Discover how Brown University is opening doors for veterans. In this episode, Sydney sits down with Bailey DiOrio and Mac Manning to break down Brown’s veteran-focused admissions process, the power of community on campus, and the programs that help student veterans thrive from day one. You’ll hear how holistic review works, what support systems actually look like, and why veterans are making a real impact in the classroom. They also share insider advice, career insights, and what every veteran should know before applying. If you’re considering college after service, this is a must-listen.

00:00 Introduction to Brown University's Veteran Support Programs

02:57 Navigating the Admissions Process for Veteran Applicants

05:47 Understanding Brown's Unique Veteran Application

08:47 Holistic Review in Admissions: What Matters?

12:06 The Role of Community in Veteran Success

14:51 The Office of Military Affiliate Students: A Support System

17:56 Innovative Programs for Veteran Integration

20:57 The Impact of Veterans in the Classroom

24:08 Career Outcomes and Alumni Network for Veterans

26:55 Final Advice for Prospective Veteran Students

Additional Resources: 

• Work with Service to School (S2S)
• Brown University's U.S. Military Veteran's Application
• Brown University
• VetLink Partners

In this episode of Service to School Stories, host Whitney Cason sits down with Luke Hixson, a U.S. Navy veteran whose journey from the fleet to the Ivy League and now medical school proves that there’s no single path to success after service.

Luke shares how he went from treating Marines as a Navy corpsman to studying neuroscience at Princeton University, and now training to become a physician at Rutgers Medical School. He opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, failing the MCAT the first time, and finding strength in mentorship and community.

This conversation dives deep into what it means to transition, to persevere, and to keep your purpose front and center, even when the path gets tough. Whether you’re thinking about college, grad school, or med school after the military, Luke’s story is a powerful reminder that your service prepared you for more than you realize.

01:10 – From Tennessee to the Navy

03:00 – “I Was Good at School — I Just Didn’t Like It”

04:50 – Applying to Princeton as a First-Year Veteran

06:20 – Showing Maturity Through Essays

07:45 – Choosing Princeton and Planning for Med School

09:25 – Lining Up the Path to Medicine

11:10 – Early Assurance and the Road to Rutgers

15:30 – The Toughest Challenge: Failing the MCAT

17:15 – Adjusting to Life at Princeton

20:00 – Building a Social Life (and Staying Humble)

23:45 – Dating as a Veteran on Campus

26:20 – Inside the Early Assurance Process

31:45 – Transitioning to Med School

34:30 – Building a New Community at Rutgers

36:45 – Advice for Veterans Pursuing Medicine

38:50 – Closing Reflections

Additional Resources: 

• Work with Service to School (S2S)
• Princeton University
• VetLink Partners 
• Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
• Princeton University Health Professions Advising (HPA)
• Early Assurance Program (Princeton–Rutgers)

Transferring to a new college can feel like starting over — especially for veterans.

In this episode of Service to School Stories, transfer admissions expert Jamie Smith breaks down what every student veteran needs to know about making a smooth transition from community college to a four-year university.

She shares insider advice on credit transfer, articulation agreements, and how to build a plan that sets you up for success. Most importantly, Jamie talks about the growing need for colleges to better support transfers — and how veterans can advocate for themselves through every step of the process. If you’re thinking about taking your next academic step, this episode is your roadmap.

00:00 Introduction to Transfer Admissions and Support

02:57 Understanding the Transfer Process for Veterans

05:55 Challenges Faced by Student Veterans in Transfer Applications

08:54 Navigating Community College and Transfer Pathways

11:44 Articulation Agreements and Their Importance

15:01 Tools for Understanding Transferability of Credits

17:52 The Role of Admissions in Transfer Credit Evaluation

20:54 Advice for Transfer Students and Final Thoughts

Additional Resources: 

• The Complete Guide to College Transfer
• Assist.org
• Transferology
• WICHE & Western Undergraduate Exchange
• Academic Common Market
• NEBHE's Tuition Break Program

In this episode of Service to School Stories, Whitney sits down with Air Force veteran Zach Wright to trace his path from community college to Stanford University. Zach opens up about what it really takes to thrive in higher education after the military — from battling imposter syndrome and finding belonging in the classroom to building meaningful relationships with professors. He shares hard-earned lessons on time management, resilience, and the power of peer support among veterans navigating college life. Zach’s story is proof that with determination and community, your next mission — earning a degree — is absolutely within reach.

00:00 From Military to Academia: Zach's Journey

07:04 Navigating Community College and Future Aspirations

08:12 Choosing Northern Virginia Community College

10:07 Building Relationships with Faculty

11:03 Building Academic Relationships for Success

13:35 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Elite Education

16:44 Navigating the Application Process

19:31 Time Management and Academic Success

22:28 Community and Leadership in Veteran Support

25:21 Long-Term Goals and Supporting Fellow Veterans

28:17 Advice for Future Students and Veterans

Additional Resources: 

1. Letter of Recommendation Guide

2. S2S's VetLink partner colleges

3. Free admissions support for veterans

In this episode, Sydney and Annie discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions for veteran applicants. They explore trends in academic preparedness, the role of community colleges, the importance of standardized testing, and how veterans can effectively communicate their military experiences in applications. The conversation emphasizes the significance of preparation and the resources available to help veterans succeed in their academic pursuits.

00:00 Introduction to Service to School and Leadership Changes

03:06 Trends in Veteran Applicants and Academic Preparedness

05:55 The Role of Community Colleges in Academic Pathways

09:05 Selecting the Right Community College

11:46 Understanding Transfer Applications and Admissions Outcomes

15:08 The Evolving Landscape of Standardized Testing

18:02 Crafting a Compelling Narrative from Military Experience

20:45 The Importance of Time in Service in Applications

23:46 Success Stories and Admissions Outcomes for Veterans

26:55 Final Advice for Aspiring Applicants

Additional Resources:

• Busting College Admissions Myths with Sydney & Annie
• Free admissions support for veterans

In this episode of Service to School Stories, we chat with Dr. Scott Smitson, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who transitioned into academia. He discusses the challenges he faced as a military veteran in higher education as well as opportunities, particularly through the Chamberlain Project, which helps place retiring officers in academic settings. Dr. Smitson shares his experiences teaching at various institutions, the differences between liberal arts and public universities, and the importance of mentorship and networking for transitioning service members. He emphasizes the value of military experience in academia and the need for veterans to prepare for the unique culture of higher education.

00:00 From Military to Academia: A Journey of Service

02:49 Strategic Education and International Affairs

03:05 Teaching and Military Experience

04:45 The Chamberlain Project and Its Impact

07:12 Differences in Teaching Environments

10:35 The Role of a Military Strategist in Academia

12:40 Opportunities Provided by the Chamberlain Fellowship

16:01 Advice for Aspiring Chamberlain Fellows

19:07 Future of Academic Work in Politics

22:15 Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders

25:18 Navigating the Cultural Shift to Academia

27:57 Realizing a Passion for Higher Education

Resources: 

Learn about The Chamberlain Project

In this episode of Service to School Stories, S2S Director of VetLink, Whitney, chats with Kloey Albertson, a veteran and current student veteran at Brown University. Kloey shares her journey from military service to higher education, discussing the challenges she faced during the college admissions process, the importance of community support for female veterans, and her experiences at Brown. She emphasizes the need for female-focused support systems and encourages other veterans to pursue their educational goals without self-doubt. Kloey's story highlights the resilience and leadership skills developed in the military that translate into success in academia.

00:00 — Introduction to Kloey's Journey

01:04 — Kloey's Military Background and Transition to Education

03:17 — Navigating the College Admissions Process

07:47 — Supporting Female Veterans in Higher Education

11:29 — Building Community at Brown University

15:27 — Creating Female-Focused Support Systems

18:24 — Choosing Brown University

21:32 — Career Support and Networking Opportunities

25:27 — Advice for Female Veterans Considering Higher Education

More resources for veterans:

• Learn about Brown University
• Check out VetLink
• Sign up for admissions support