As this academic year draws to a close, the Chez Veterans Center staff proudly celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of its graduating students. Among these dedicated individuals is Mr. Aditya Madduluri, whose journey from military service to academic success exemplifies the resilience and determination that the Chez Veterans Center strives to support. We asked Mr. Madduluri to share about his experience and he wrote:
Transitioning from active duty in 2020 amidst a global pandemic was tough, but I found a supportive community at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), especially at the Chez Veterans Center. It wasn’t just a place to stay; it was a haven where I met people who shared my military background and understood the unique challenges of transitioning to civilian life.
Starting college again after not being in school since 2015 was a big adjustment. I had to tackle tough subjects like physics, chemistry, calculus, and computer science. The transition into academia seemed daunting, but having friends at Chez who were going through similar challenges made it easier. We leaned on each other as a support system for help and encouragement.
When I struggled to land an internship, Dustin Lange stepped in to help. He polished up my resume, did mock interviews with me, and shared his insights. His guidance gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward resulting in 3 enriching internship experiences. This support was not just limited to my time living at the Chez but something that I utilized throughout my time in college. As an active member in my National Guard unit and in the Army ROTC program at UIUC, I shared his resources with other fellow military-connected students to support leveraging their military experiences with civilian roles during interview/resume prep sessions.
Jason Sakowski was a huge help too, especially with navigating the GI Bill and Illinois National Guard benefits. As a student, finances can be one of the most stressful aspects of navigating college. However, his expertise in the GI Bill process ensured that as a student using these resources, I never had to stress. In 2021, I was activated by the ILARNG to support the COVID-19 vaccination program for the state of Illinois. When I was stressed about managing my benefits and still supporting my education, his knowledge helped me ensure that these didn’t seem like hurdles and did not impede my academic pursuits or military obligations. This continued throughout my time in college as he provided me support any time I had conflicts with my department and my military obligations.
Ingrid Wheeler’s regular check-ins served as a reminder that amidst the whirlwind of academic and military commitments, there existed a steadfast pillar of support, who genuinely was there to ensure my overall well-being and transition journey.
And then there’s Garrett. He was my first touchpoint with the Chez who shared with me the amazing programs the Chez offered to transitioning/military-connected students. Too many times, many programs don’t get utilized because many people are just not aware, but Garrett ensured that I understood the programs offered and even advocated for me to utilize them throughout my time in college for my overall success. His unwavering encouragement epitomized the ethos of Chez, ensuring that every veteran walking its halls felt seen, heard, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
As I prepare to graduate from UIUC, the Chez Veterans Center remains an indispensable chapter in my journey ingrained by a four-letter word that encapsulates its essence: Care. With their support, I’m ready to take on my next challenge—commissioning into the Virginia Army National Guard as an Engineer Officer and starting my civilian career at Deloitte as an analyst. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Chez Center and its community for shaping not just my academic and professional trajectory, but my very essence as a veteran transitioning into civilian life.
