As Abisay Salgado, a Veteran, completes his studies in Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, his journey reflects a blend of resilience, humor, and a strong sense of community that shaped his time on campus.
Finding stability during his transition was closely tied to everyday sources of support and community. Access to campus food pantries and working in a dining hall helped him stay grounded while balancing academic responsibilities. These experiences not only provided practical support but also reinforced a sense of belonging within the campus community.
A memorable moment for Abisay came through his connection to the Chez Veterans Center, particularly during the holiday season when the pantry would be fully stocked. For him, these moments represented care, generosity, and the importance of support systems for students navigating complex transitions.
His advice to future military-connected students is thoughtful and grounded in experience: while academics are important, what happens outside the classroom matters even more. Building relationships, engaging in campus life, and finding community can be just as impactful as coursework for long-term success.
Looking back, Abisay offers a simple reminder to his younger self: “You are Kenough.”
After graduation, he plans to use his degree to secure a stable job, continue taking non-degree courses to strengthen his academic foundation, and eventually pursue graduate studies. His long-term goal is to find a program that aligns with his interests and potentially leads to a PhD.
Abisay’s story is a reminder that success is not only measured by academic achievement, but also by self-acceptance, community support, and the willingness to keep moving forward—one step at a time.
