Service to School Stories

Service to School
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Welcome to Service to School Stories, a deep-dive style podcast hosted by Service to School. We dig into topics in the Higher Education landscape as they relate to Veterans and transitioning service members. Tune in as we chat about navigating the college experience for Veterans: going through the application process, dealing with imposter syndrome, applying to highly selective universities, handling rejection letters, supporting Veterans on campus and much more!

  1. 12/09/2025

    The Power of Mentorship in Higher Ed Admissions with Denver Barrows + Cayde Bruce

    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

    35 min

  2. 12/02/2025

    Telling Hard Stories Well: An Honest Conversation with Nate Tiegs and Nick Fritz

    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

    31 min
  3. Cracking the Code: A Veteran’s Guide to College and MBA Admissions with Javier Kazmierczak

    11/25/2025

    Cracking the Code: A Veteran’s Guide to College and MBA Admissions with Javier Kazmierczak

    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)

    45 min
  4. Building Community for Veterans on Campus with Brown University

    11/18/2025

    Building Community for Veterans on Campus with Brown University

    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 ApplicationBrown UniversityVetLink Partners

    36 min
  5. Redefining the Mission: A Navy Veteran’s Path to Princeton and Medicine with Luke Hixson

    11/11/2025

    Redefining the Mission: A Navy Veteran’s Path to Princeton and Medicine with Luke Hixson

    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 UniversityVetLink Partners Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPrinceton University Health Professions Advising (HPA)Early Assurance Program (Princeton–Rutgers)

    41 min
  6. Empowering Veterans in the Transfer Process with Jamie Smith

    11/04/2025

    Empowering Veterans in the Transfer Process with Jamie Smith

    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 TransferAssist.orgTransferologyWICHE & Western Undergraduate ExchangeAcademic Common MarketNEBHE's Tuition Break Program

    32 min
  7. Impostor Syndrome, Resilience, and the Road to Stanford with Zach Wright

    10/28/2025

    Impostor Syndrome, Resilience, and the Road to Stanford with Zach Wright

    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:  Letter of Recommendation Guide S2S's VetLink partner colleges Free admissions support for veterans

    30 min
  8. What Makes a Competitive Veteran Applicant

    10/21/2025

    What Makes a Competitive Veteran Applicant

    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 & AnnieFree admissions support for veterans

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Welcome to Service to School Stories, a deep-dive style podcast hosted by Service to School. We dig into topics in the Higher Education landscape as they relate to Veterans and transitioning service members. Tune in as we chat about navigating the college experience for Veterans: going through the application process, dealing with imposter syndrome, applying to highly selective universities, handling rejection letters, supporting Veterans on campus and much more!

Information

  • Creator
    Service to School
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Service to School
  • Show Website
    Service to School Stories