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 GREAT
LAKES, Ill. - “I was nervous, it's amazing how a moment that
you worked so hard for and is supposed to be full of pride
and accomplishment can make you so tense,” said Personnel
Specialist 3rd Class Joanna Banda, administrative assistant
for the Operations Department at Navy Recruiting Command
(NRC).
“The walk felt more like 20 miles instead of
20 feet,” continued Banda. “As the Dean reached out with the
diploma, I could only imagine myself falling but once my
hand touched that plastic folder all my worry and fear was
quickly replaced with that feeling of pride and
accomplishment that I should have been feeling all along. I
had finally done it. I had finally graduated!”
While
the uneasiness of graduation day creeps into most students'
lives, Banda could take comfort in the fact that she had her
shipmates beside her.
Banda and three other active
duty Sailors assigned to NRC graduated from their respective
colleges May 29, 2015.
Though Banda is just starting her
education, the feeling of pride that comes with graduation
is apparent in those who are working towards graduate
degrees as well.
“Since reporting to NRC in October
of 2013, I started working towards my Master's Degree and it
took me 17 months,” said Chief Navy Counselor Scott J.
Stetz, reserve direct commission officer program manager for
the Operations Department at NRC. “It feels wonderful to
have the opportunity to complete my Master's before I
retire.”
While completing a degree program is an
accomplishment in itself, the achievement is even more
impressive for those juggling college and full-time active
duty service.
“It is an everyday challenge,” said
Banda. “When attending college, the courses are not a one
day concern, but a semester full of hard work."
Although it
has its challenges, it is very rewarding challenge once you
achieve these milestones because it allows you to appreciate
your degree. Even though attending college while in the
military provides its own unique challenge, there are some
upsides as well.
“My graduate degree was difficult too,
because they were live classes and lots of homework;
however, the best thing about getting my degrees is that it
was free,” said Stetz. “Tuition Assistance paid for 100% of
my degrees.”
While the college workload is
difficult, the graduates agreed that the effort will be
rewarding in the future.
Whether or not someone is
staying in the Navy or getting out, Stetz stressed the
importance of getting an education since outside employers
often look for veterans who show an educational background
and the will power to learn.
Though Stetz stressed the
importance of education professionally, Banda focused on how
it can be important personally. “Coming from a
minority family, it is a ceiling breaker to achieve a higher
education for a better future,” said Banda.
While both
Sailors have made preparations for a brighter future, they
have some advice for others looking into furthering their
education.
“Set some time aside to go to Navy
College and get started,” said Stetz. “The hardest part is
getting started but after it's all said and done, you'll be
glad that you took the time to invest in your future.”
“Always show initiative,” said Banda. “With the support
of your chain-of-command and the desire to pursue a degree,
anything is possible. There are many sources and resources
that can contribute to an education.”
With the
assistance of the command and Navy College, Banda was able
to earn her Associate's Degree and Stetz completed his
Master's Degree in Operational Management. Other
graduates from NRC include: Master Chief Information Systems
Technician James White, who completed his Master's Degree,
and Chief Yeoman Lasondra Tremble, who finished her
Bachelor's Degree.
By U.S. Navy Seaman Brandon Martin
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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