In this interview, Ms. Tracy Santos, shares her experiences, obstacles, and strategies while attending an honors college program. Her empowerment, encouragement, and professional tips can motivate high-achieving student veterans to seek out an honors college program.

Ms. Tracy Santos, a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in interdisciplinary neuroscience studying serotonin in animal models of cerebral palsy at the University of Rhode Island (URI), is also an honors college alumna at the URI with a bachelor's in clinical neuroscience. Tracy is a U.S Marine Corps and U.S Army combat veteran who is originally from the Bronx, New York but resides in Providence Rhode Island. Tracy is a veteran activist with awards including student veteran of the year (SVA) finalist and G.I Jobs student veteran leadership award.

What inspired you to attend the honors college program at your school?

Santos: So essentially, it was my mentor—you, Travis! I remember a conversation we had about all the amazing things that can happen when we put ourselves out there. I was already super nervous, because of imposter-like feelings. Am I good enough? I already struggle with imposter feelings just as a student veteran taking normal classes. You really motivated me to think beyond that. I had the grades for it, and you said, there's no reason why I shouldn't try it. Shortly thereafter, I ended up reaching out to the honors college here at the URI. So, I became a matriculating student at the Honors College here at URI.

What are the benefits you’ve obtained from attending honors college?

Santos: There were a couple benefits of my honors college program at URI. At the student level, I would say they have a lot of benefits, like private scholarships. You have your own advisor outside of your program of study. Not only that, but you have early registration for classes if you are an honors student. Moreover, you will have the honors version of certain classes—which means that they're smaller classes. For example, it's more like one-on-one based, instead of having 200 plus students in an auditorium trying to learn organic chemistry, you can take organic chemistry in honors college with fewer students. Those 200 people became 10, and that facilitated better learning for me personally. As an honors student, you will make meaningful connections with those that can open doors. Not only in my degree department, but in other sections of the college and within the Honors College. Even though you have to take some courses outside your program of study —like a colloquium—it's very impactful. I ended up taking a colloquium called, “Just Good Foods”. If I had never put myself out there. I would never have taken these classes; I would have missed an opportunity to obtain new knowledge. These honors college classes have opened my eyes to things going on in the world—it's so beneficial.

Why should veteran scholars attend an honors college program?

Santos: I think the biggest reason is because, as student veterans, I feel like we put so much doubt on ourselves. I firmly believe that just taking an honors class and passing it builds your morale and confidence. Not only that, but some of us do learn better in one-on-one environments—honors classes provide that. The instructors and professors take their time to teach you. While you're taking the time to learn, it isn't as fast-paced. I think we have this negative, preconceived notion of what honors is, right? What is an honors course? What does it mean to be an honors student? The workload might be a little more simply because there might be more classes that you need to take as an honors student. However, that doesn't mean that the classes are too hard for you. In fact, student veterans are often better prepared to succeed in the honors college. Because of what they've learned in the service. Your attention to detail. You're dedicated to time frames. You're dedicated to pretty much making sure that if somebody asks you to do something, whether it's homework or a project, you're going to get it done. I think we don't give ourselves enough praise for what we do know and what we've learned as service members and now students. I think honors college does that by bringing out the best in us.

How can institutions encourage veteran scholars to apply to their honors college program?

Santos: I think higher education institutions can do that by allowing student veterans who’ve attended an honors college program or are currently in a program to tell their stories—through a panel. Additionally, the honors college department should collaborate with their institution’s military-affiliated student office. Host military days, whatever the case is, to make sure that veterans are aware of the institution's honors college. Expose this gem and make it available to them, because a lot of student veterans already have stellar GPAs. If anything, student veterans are going to amplify these programs. I think it's important for honors college programs to reach out to student veterans. In addition, honors college administrators need to empower student veterans. And again, student veterans that are already in honors college should tell their stories. I think the power of their voices is very important!

This interview highlights the importance of effective planning and how institutions should utilize their internal resources to market their honors college programs and attract their military-affiliated students. This discourse with Tracy illustrates the importance of veteran-to-veteran empowerment and marketing strategies. She utilized her experience with honors college to develop and enhance her academic interests. It was through the honors college program that empowered Tracy to fortify and align all her passions. This resulted in Tracy being an effective leader and scholar and military advocate. Just like Tracy, every student veteran can pursue an honors college program.

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Women Veterans

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