SEES Impact Report October 2022 | Page 19

MEET JANICE
MAJOR : Biomedical Sciences HOMETOWN : Kingman , Arizona EXPECTED GRADUATION : 2022
I separated from the U . S . Navy in October 2019 , and I started at Old Dominion University in January 2020 . I knew that I wanted to go to ODU ; I thought I might make some friends that had the same goals as me along the way , maybe pick up an opportunity here and there to boost my resume for my medical school applications . What I did not know was that I would be welcomed into an amazing community in the Military Connection Center . The director of the Military Connection Center , Kristal Kinloch-Taylor , runs such an amazing service to our deserving community of military-affiliated students .
I interviewed for the VA program for student workers and started working in the MCC . While there , Kristal wanted me to strive , wanted me to succeed , and wanted me to take advantage of every opportunity available to me . And , she absolutely gave me so many opportunities : to represent veteran scholars as SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society president , to represent our veteran students and make sure we had a voice in the Student Leadership Council , and to help newly incoming veteran students as a PAVE Team Lead and advisor , which is the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education .
I had a great experience at ODU , even though I started there at the beginning of COVID . I personally transitioned well to the different class setup to maintain the safety of students and faculty . Along the way , there were also a few downfalls to my experience , which I did voice to the Student Leadership Council , which I hope will make a difference . I had a great experience at ODU , but there is room for improvement for future students .
Student Engagement & Enrollment Services Impact Report 2021 – 2022 | 19