This week, we have S2S Applicant turned Ambassador, Kelton Johnsen joining us on the podcast. Kelton is a US Army veteran, community college transfer, and current student at the University of Chicago. Kelton shares about exploring his options in higher ed, changing course on degree plans during the admissions process, paying it forward to help fellow veterans as an Ambassador, and much more.
Main Topics
Kelton’s introduction & background (0:33)
Decision to enlist straight from high school instead of applying to community college (3:05)
How military experience shifted confidence to believing success at a rigorous college was possible (6:22)
Exploring options in higher education & taking classes while active duty, demonstrating history of academic success (9:53)
Deciding to go to college & working with Service to School, weighing options for which schools to attend, changing course during admissions & changing from MBA to UG application (12:30)
Discussing financial aid & VA education benefits with colleges, approaching admissions with curiosity & learning everything about schools (18:55)
Decision to volunteer to be a S2S Ambassador & what it means for future veterans at colleges, de-conflicting veteran identity & finding place on campus (30:00)
Advice for veterans & service members considering college (37:27)
Additional Resources
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