Meet Jacob, an Army Veteran who is now pursuing higher education here at UIUC. He is from Danville, Illinois, and is currently studying social work. He chose this career path because he has a strong desire to help people in any way he can.
First, I asked him, what is your military history and what led you to pursue higher education? He said:
“I was the battalion armorer in the 716th military police battalion in the 101st Airborne division in Fort Campbell Kentucky. I was a fueler. After I left the military I felt as though I had lost my purpose and didn’t have any idea what I was going to do. I later discovered my love for helping others and decided to make a career out of it in social work.”
Then, I asked him what the most challenging part of transitioning to civilian life was, and he responded:
“The most challenging part about leaving the military was leaving the only life I had known since I left high school and leaving all my friends and people I had grown close with throughout the years. Coming to school I had a really hard time finding that community that I was missing and didn’t really fit in anywhere and was extremely lonely up until I found the Chez and got in touch with the community I was missing.”
After this, I asked him if he is involved in any clubs or organizations on campus. He said:
“I’m part of the Illini Veterans RSO. I like being able to have this community because lots of the members have similar backgrounds to me and it’s a great place to meet new people.”
In addition to this, Jacob is the current RA at the Chez Veterans Center and also works there as a Work Study. Moreover, he is a Former Paulsgrove Scholarship Recipient, which helped him balance his school and work life more.
My last question was, what are your post-graduation plans? He said:
“After graduation I would like to work in a hospital setting as a social worker assisting the local community in any of their needs.”
Jacob’s journey from Army Veteran to social work student is a testament to resilience and the power of finding purpose through helping others. After transitioning from military service, he faced the challenges of redefining his path, and ultimately discovered a passion for social work that allows him to serve and support people in meaningful ways. His experience of finding community through the Illini Veterans RSO and the Chez Veterans Center highlights the importance of connection and support, something he values deeply as he moves forward in his education and career. With plans to work as a social worker in a hospital setting after graduation, Jacob is committed to using his skills and experiences to make a real difference in the lives of those in need. We look forward to seeing how Jacob continues to grow and impact the world around him in the years to come!
Article written by: Baileigh Hannah