Service to School Stories

In this podcast episode, Charles Castelly shares his journey from military service to pursuing an MBA. He discusses his motivations for joining the Army, his experiences during basic training, and the challenges he faced with a medical discharge. Charles reflects on his educational path, the importance of community, and his diverse career experiences, including a sabbatical that allowed him to explore various roles. Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Charles Castelly02:59 Military Experience and Transition06:04 Navigating Medical Discharge and Education08:58 College Journey and Veteran Community12:02 Career Path and Purpose17:54 Sabbatical and Personal Growth22:13 The DJ Journey: Crafting Unique Playlists24:07 Pursuing Education: A Master's in Finance24:59 Landing a Government Role: The Path to Development Finance28:03 Understanding DFC vs. USAID: Investment vs. Aid30:43 Experiencing Uganda: A Journey of Beauty and Work31:33 Transitioning to an MBA: Expanding Horizons34:56 Veteran Community at Smith: Building Connections38:22 Academics at Smith: Curriculum and Choices40:55 Extracurricular Engagement: Leadership in Finance Club42:56 Career Aspirations: Impact Investing and BeyondAdditional ResourcesRobert H. Smith School of Business MBA Admissions

In this conversation, filmmaker Jake Rademacher shares his journey from aspiring military pilot to creating impactful films for veterans. He discusses the making of his film 'Brothers After War', the importance of nuanced storytelling in media representation of the Iraq War, and offers valuable advice for veterans looking to enter the film industry. Rademacher emphasizes the significance of creating one's own material, the role of theater in storytelling, and the need for veterans to check their motivations before pursuing film school. He also highlights the workshops he conducts for veterans and the upcoming streaming release of his film.Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Jake Rademacher and His Journey14:19 The Impact of the Iraq War and Media Representation20:32 Supporting Veterans in Storytelling and Media21:25 Veterans in Film: A Unique Perspective27:54 Navigating Film School: Pros and Cons30:38 Finding Your Path: Exploring Film Careers34:05 Resources for Aspiring Veteran Storytellers39:14 Creating Your Own Opportunities in Storytelling40:42 Brothers After War: A Film for Veterans41:45 Encouragement for Veterans in the IndustryAdditional ResourcesBrothers After War

In this podcast episode, Desaree Edwards shares her inspiring journey from a low-income background to serving as a nuclear mechanic in the US Navy. Desaree highlights the importance of leadership and trust within the military, her transition to civilian life, and her pursuit of education at Wesleyan University, where she discovered her passion for neuroscience and human rights advocacy. She also shares her journey to law school, her aspirations in the anti-trafficking field, and offers valuable advice for those navigating their own career paths.Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Desiree Edwards03:11 Journey to the Navy and Submarine Service06:11 Nuclear Submarine Training Overview09:10 Deployment Experiences and Challenges12:07 Qualifying as a Nuclear Mechanic15:07 Deciding to Transition Out of the Military18:05 Leadership Lessons from the Submarine Experience26:04 Restoring Trust in Leadership29:37 Navigating Academic Choices and Personal Growth31:25 Building Community as a Female Veteran35:02 The Experience of Commuting to Campus37:42 Engaging in Human Rights Advocacy42:02 Preparing for Law School and Future Aspirations49:09 Advice for Career Exploration and GrowthAdditional ResourcesTruman ScholarshipTillman Scholarship

In this podcast episode, Jimmy Hatch, a former Navy SEAL and founder of Spike's Canine Fund, shares his remarkable journey from military service to higher education at Yale. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from combat to civilian life, the importance of mental health, and the profound bond between humans and dogs. Jimmy emphasizes the need for veterans to seek help and the value of education in reshaping perspectives on life and trauma. He shares his journey to Yale, highlighting the self-doubt he faced and how he overcame it. Additionally, he reflects on the transformative power of literature in his life, using it as a means of self-discovery and healing.**Trigger Warning - suicide, substance abuse, psychiatric institution, sexual assaultMain Topics(00:05) Introduction to Jimmy Hatch's Journey(07:31) The Impact of Military Service on Mental Health(15:44) Navigating Trauma and Seeking Help(25:54) Transitioning to Higher Education as a Veteran(26:59) Navigating Transition and Seeking Help(30:30) The Journey to Yale: Overcoming Self-Doubt(40:44) Literature as a Lifeline: The Power of ReadingAdditional ResourcesSpike’s K9 FundMy Semester With the Snowflakes by Jimmy HatchHeadspaceEli Whitney Students Program at Yale University

Whitney Cason, S2S Director of VetLink, takes the reins for a conversation with two of S2S's VetLink partners - Christina Moreland, Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Pipeline Development at Dartmouth, and Evan Shoaf, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at Bowdoin. Whitney, Christina, and Evan discuss the unique challenges and opportunities for veteran applicants in the college admissions process, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, personalized support, and community integration for veterans transitioning to academic life. The discussion also covers financial aid options, the significance of building a supportive community, and shares inspiring success stories of veteran students who have thrived in their respective institutions. Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Veteran Admissions Support08:10 Understanding Financial Aid for Veterans15:58 Building Community and Support for Veterans21:49 Success Stories of Veteran Students30:03 Advice for Veteran ApplicantsAdditional ResourcesBowdoin College AdmissionsDartmouth College AdmissionsThird Time's the Charm: A Veteran Student's Journey

Holden Lindblom joined us to share his inspiring journey from struggling in school to thriving at Stanford University. After serving as a forward observer in Afghanistan, he transitioned to academia. Holden discusses the challenges he faced during his military service, his motivation to succeed, and the importance of community college in preparing for top universities. He ultimately chose Stanford for its unique environment and opportunities, and he now co-founded Vetri-Fi, a financial service aimed at empowering veterans with financial literacy and resources.Main Topics00:00 From Sweden to Service: A Journey Begins06:29 Transitioning from Military to Academia10:20 The Drive to Succeed: Finding Motivation15:00 Navigating Community College: A Path to Top Universities20:57 Applying to Elite Schools: Strategies and Insights26:28 Choosing Stanford: A Life-Changing Decision30:05 Adapting to Stanford: Academic and Social Integration35:40 Discovering Passion: The Shift to Startups40:40 VetraFi: Empowering Veterans FinanciallyAdditional ResourcesVetraFi

In this conversation, US Navy veteran Dan Chauvin shares his remarkable journey of resilience and determination in the face of rejection while applying to top MBA programs. Dan discusses his military background, the challenges he faced during the application process, and the importance of seeking help and support from others. He emphasizes the need to tell one's story authentically and the lessons learned from receiving rejections from every school to his acceptance into not one, but SIX prestigious business schools.Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Dan Chauvin's Journey01:22 From Navy EOD to Business School Aspirations04:18 Overseas Experiences: Syria, Spain, and Bahrain12:19 Navigating Career Decisions: Military vs. Business School16:30 Leadership in Crisis: The October 7th Experience20:58 Applying to Business School: The Journey Begins23:29 Embracing Failure and Resilience25:28 The Journey to Business School30:11 The Importance of Seeking Help34:43 Navigating Feedback and Perspectives37:31 Mental Preparation for Reapplication39:57 Overcoming Rejection: The Journey Begins47:05 The Road Ahead: Future Aspirations and GoalsAdditional ResourcesBreaking Business School by S2S CEO Alec EmmertSmart With a HeartMentor fellow veteran applicants as an AmbassadorMBA Guidebook

In this podcast episode, Chris Cappy shares his unique journey from being an infantryman in the National Guard to pursuing a career in media and film. Chris reflects on the challenges he faced transitioning back to civilian life and education at NYU after deployment, the importance of storytelling, and the value of education in shaping his career. Chris takes shares his journey from film school to becoming a production assistant at The Daily Show, his evolution into a content creator, the importance of resilience in the face of criticism, and his experiences as a war correspondent in Ukraine. Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Chris Cappy01:04 Chris's Early Life and Military Journey06:03 The Decision to Enlist in the Military11:06 Deployment Experience in Iraq18:02 Transitioning Back to Civilian Life and Education23:31 Navigating NYU and Veteran Identity27:09 The Journey from Film School to The Daily Show30:37 Transitioning from Comedy to Corporate America31:55 The Path to Content Creation36:55 Embracing Feedback and Building Resilience44:45 Becoming a War Correspondent in Ukraine50:16 Advice for Aspiring CreatorsAdditional ResourcesTask & PurposeFollow Task & Purpose on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

In this podcast episode, Nate Boyer shares his remarkable journey from Green Beret to playing college football at the University of Texas and briefly in the NFL. He discusses his unconventional path, the search for purpose that led him to volunteer in Darfur, and how that experience shaped his decision to join the Army and pursue a career in Special Forces. Nate also reflects on his transition to college life, the challenges of being a walk-on football player, and the importance of showing up and seizing opportunities in life. In this conversation, Nate Boyer shares his journey from military service to the NFL, emphasizing the importance of mindset, setting ambitious goals, and overcoming adversity. He discusses his interactions with Colin Kaepernick regarding social justice and the significance of respectful dialogue. Main Topics00:00 - Nate Boyer's Journey: From Green Beret to NFL03:17 - Finding Purpose: The Call to Action in Darfur06:08 - Transitioning to the Army: The Path to Special Forces08:09 - The Decision to Pursue College Football11:50 - The Unconventional Walk-On Experience at Texas17:35 - The Importance of Showing Up: Making Opportunities22:30 - Embracing the Challenge: A Mindset for Success23:00 - Setting Ridiculous Goals: The Path to Achievement24:30 - Overcoming Adversity: The Journey of Persistence27:11 - The Road to the NFL: Unexpected Opportunities30:01 - A Conversation with Colin Kaepernick: Bridging Perspectives36:52 - Current Endeavors: Making an Impact Beyond SportsAdditional ResourcesMerging Vets & Players (MVP)Waterboys8Primal

In this podcast episode, Dr. David Gioe shares his extensive background in intelligence and academia, discussing his journey from being an FBI intelligence analyst to a CIA case officer and ultimately a professor at King's College. He elaborates on the nuances of pursuing a PhD in the US versus the UK and offers valuable insights on crafting a competitive application for graduate programs. He shares insights on how veterans can leverage their unique experiences while adapting to the academic culture, and he offers practical advice for navigating the PhD journey successfully.Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Dr. David Gioe06:20 The Roles of Analyst vs. Case Officer14:00 Navigating PhD Programs: US vs. UK20:43 Crafting a Competitive Application for PhD Programs28:32 Overcoming Academic Paralysis34:30 Veterans in Academia: Strengths and Challenges42:01 Navigating the PhD Journey50:13 Resilience and the Reality of RejectionAdditional ResourcesCambridge Security Initiative (CSi) 

In this podcast episode, Alex Dawson shares his journey from being a Navy Nuclear Service Warfare Officer to pursuing an MBA at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and preparing for a career in consulting at Bain & Company. He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in the MBA admissions process, particularly for veterans, and emphasizes the importance of test scores, GPA, and crafting a compelling narrative. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of MBA admissions, including the shift from GMAT to GRE, and the significance of leveraging veteran networks for support.Main Topics00:00 - From Nuclear Engineering to the Navy03:18 - Transitioning to Business School06:00 - The Shift from Engineering to Consulting08:57- Navigating the MBA Admissions Process11:38 - Consulting Recruitment Insights14:40 - Understanding the MBA Landscape for Veterans19:32 - Analyzing Veteran Advantages in MBA Admissions29:53 - GMAT vs GRE: Which Test to Take?36:24 - Understanding the Impact of MOS on Admissions44:36 - The Importance of Undergrad GPA49:09 - Age Considerations in MBA Applications51:06 - Assessing Your Chances for AdmissionAdditional ResourcesMBA Admissions Landscape for Veterans

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 Programs02:57 Navigating the Admissions Process for Veteran Applicants05:47 Understanding Brown's Unique Veteran Application08:47 Holistic Review in Admissions: What Matters?12:06 The Role of Community in Veteran Success14:51 The Office of Military Affiliate Students: A Support System17:56 Innovative Programs for Veteran Integration20:57 The Impact of Veterans in the Classroom24:08 Career Outcomes and Alumni Network for Veterans26:55 Final Advice for Prospective Veteran StudentsAdditional Resources: Work with Service to School (S2S)Brown University's U.S. Military Veteran's ApplicationBrown UniversityVetLink 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 Navy03:00 – “I Was Good at School — I Just Didn’t Like It”04:50 – Applying to Princeton as a First-Year Veteran06:20 – Showing Maturity Through Essays07:45 – Choosing Princeton and Planning for Med School09:25 – Lining Up the Path to Medicine11:10 – Early Assurance and the Road to Rutgers15:30 – The Toughest Challenge: Failing the MCAT17:15 – Adjusting to Life at Princeton20:00 – Building a Social Life (and Staying Humble)23:45 – Dating as a Veteran on Campus26:20 – Inside the Early Assurance Process31:45 – Transitioning to Med School34:30 – Building a New Community at Rutgers36:45 – Advice for Veterans Pursuing Medicine38:50 – Closing ReflectionsAdditional Resources: Work with Service to School (S2S)Princeton UniversityVetLink Partners Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPrinceton 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 Support02:57 Understanding the Transfer Process for Veterans05:55 Challenges Faced by Student Veterans in Transfer Applications08:54 Navigating Community College and Transfer Pathways11:44 Articulation Agreements and Their Importance15:01 Tools for Understanding Transferability of Credits17:52 The Role of Admissions in Transfer Credit Evaluation20:54 Advice for Transfer Students and Final ThoughtsAdditional Resources: The Complete Guide to College TransferAssist.orgTransferologyWICHE & Western Undergraduate ExchangeAcademic Common MarketNEBHE'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 Journey07:04 Navigating Community College and Future Aspirations08:12 Choosing Northern Virginia Community College10:07 Building Relationships with Faculty11:03 Building Academic Relationships for Success13:35 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Elite Education16:44 Navigating the Application Process19:31 Time Management and Academic Success22:28 Community and Leadership in Veteran Support25:21 Long-Term Goals and Supporting Fellow Veterans28:17 Advice for Future Students and VeteransAdditional Resources: Letter of Recommendation GuideS2S's VetLink partner collegesFree admissions support for veterans