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)