ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½

Students

From Military Bases to the Big Apple

By
Johnni Medina
Posted
November 11, 2024
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ student Abby Arena with other students in the Student Veterans of America

Kathryn "Ryn" Morris ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™25 had what she calls a "pretty standard" life as a military dependentΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½”though for most, it was anything but standard. Her family moved frequently every few years, living in diverse places such as the Yongsan Garrison in Seoul and Barking Sands in Hawaii. "Moving around like that does something to you as a kid," she reflects. "It gave me a deep love for travel and an appreciation for learning about different cultures."

Not only that, but it instilled in Ryn a deep appreciate for the concept of community. "As a result of those experiences, I care deeply for the community, and itΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™s a huge part of my identity," she explains. "Military people tend to click with each other, regardless of their background," she explains. "The surrounding families on base arenΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™t just neighbors; they become aunts and uncles, and their kids are like cousins."

IΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™ve been able to take advantage of a multitude of opportunities as a result of ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™s Yellow Ribbon Program.

KathrynΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™s connection to the military runs deep. "Many of the men in my immediate family were military members," she shares. Her familyΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™s military legacy includes her uncle, who served in the Coast Guard, a cousin and grandfather in the Army, and her father, a retired Navy Commander who served for 24 years.

Kathryn's decision to attend Pace was influenced by several factors, including the well-recognized Arts and Entertainment Management program, robust GI Bill acceptance, and generous scholarship offers. "IΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™ve been able to take advantage of a multitude of opportunities as a result of ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™s Yellow Ribbon Program,ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ she explains. ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½œThe financial support is unmatched for someone in my situation.ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ No stranger to moving to new places, the allure of New York City certainly played a part in her decision to come to Pace.

IΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™ve been able to take advantage of leadership and networking opportunities that have helped me in my college journey.

SheΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™s been glad to find that sense of community right here at Pace, particularly among the Student Veterans of America (SVA). "The SVA has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of me at every turn,ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ says Ryn. ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½œIΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™ve been able to take advantage of leadership and networking opportunities that have helped me in my college journey." TheyΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™ve been with her through all the challenges and changes of her academic career, even when her wanderlust took her away from New York City. "Last year, they were an integral part of my support network when I was abroad and helped me adjust to Pace life again when I was home again."

Now, in her final year, RynΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½™s advice to other students is to do as she didΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½”dive in, get involved, and find your people. "Get engaged! There are so many fun clubs and activities on campus, truly something for everyone,ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ she says. ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½œIt improves our school culture the more we participate!"

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