As veteran students walk into the TR Veteran Resource Center, its open layout offers a place where they can unwind in between classes or have access to oncampus or veteran-related information.
At a time when transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel overwhelming, the VRC works to provide a welcoming, safe and supportive environment. Whether students are grabbing a cup of coffee or simply taking a moment to decompress, the resource center is a space where they can feel at home, far from the pressure of school and life.
“Literally everything in the resource center is a onestop shop from your advising to your counseling,” TR veteran counselor Carla Cauley said.
Cauley and academic adviser Vanessa Duran help ensure each student not only succeeds academically but also thrives personally, making the transition to college life smoother and more supported.
TR veteran student Dominique Walker said every question he has ever asked Cauley was either answered or she would point him in the right direction.
“They have been a big help when it comes down to guiding me in the right direction when it comes to my mental health,” Walker said about the counselor and academic adviser available in the VRC. “Also, lending an ear to listen when I felt overwhelmed and stressed out with my studies or personal life.”
Other students talked about how they’ve gained more knowledge about the benefits available to them, including more educational benefits, resources on campus, scholarships and grants offered for veterans.
“The Veteran Resource Center is very knowledgeable about veteran benefits, different resources that veterans can utilize on our dayto- day lives,” TR veteran student Shamarah Tezeno.
Usually, the first thing many veteran students will mention when describing the VRC is the camaraderie they find there. They’ve found a place where they can connect with other veterans about their shared experiences while in the service or how it was transitioning to civilian life.
“If you go to the Veterans Resource Center, nine times out of 10 anytime you’re in here, you probably are going to make a connection with someone,” TR student and Army reservist Jahsai Hunter said.
Since Cauley has taken the job as the veteran counselor, she has tried to create a sense of community. She started organizing a variety of events specifically tailored for veterans, from bringing in guest speakers for Coffee and Conversations to having a couple luncheons last semester like Veterans Day, Vetsgiving and Holiday Around the World. These events have been met with enthusiasm from the veterans.
“It’s really cool to see that someone actually appreciates us and is willing to put in that much effort for us,” TR veteran student worker Elijah Alvarez said.
In addition to offering emotional support, the VRC has a dedicated adviser who helps guides students unsure about school and what paths they want to take. Alvarez expressed how she helped him figure out his classes and set his schedule up so that he would be in line for the degree plan he wanted.
The VRC has been impactful for those veteran students who utilize it. It has created a sense of belonging and support for those who have served.
“I think it’s a huge benefit to our community to be able to have somewhere where we can feel comfortable and make friends while we’re also receiving help from people who are in a sense aren’t afraid of us,”Alvarez said.
Hunter said it’s an inviting place where it’s easy to get to know everybody.
“You almost have a second family here,” he said.
