Barron Veterans Center at SDSU

Meet Keira Cherry, a Journalism major at San Diego State University with a deep passion for storytelling and informing others about current issues 📝✨. Her love for writing and drive to make an impact inspired her to pursue a career as an investigative journalist or reporter 🔍🗞️.

As a Marine Corps dependent—her mom served 20 years and her dad 4—Keira grew up on base, where she learned the values of discipline, resilience, and gratitude 🇺🇸. Her military upbringing gave her a strong sense of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices made by her family.

Originally from Temecula, CA, Keira chose SDSU for its dedicated Journalism program and proximity to home 📍🎓. Outside of her studies, she enjoys reading, watching true crime, and organizing 📚🕵️‍♀️📦. Through her time at SDSU, she’s building the foundation for a meaningful career in media.

For more information check out our link tree in our bio. There you find our help desk website where you click on the CalVet tab and it will tell what you need to apply.

🧠 Tip Tuesday: 5-Minute Reset 🌤️

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck?

✨ Step outside.

✨ Stretch.

✨ Breathe.

Sometimes all it takes is five minutes away from your screen to reset your focus and recharge your energy.

Try it between classes, before studying, or when you're feeling the pressure build.

Small reset = big impact. 💪

Meet Toddi Sinclair, a Management Information Systems major at San Diego State University. As a Navy dependent with a rich military background, Toddi has lived in diverse places such as Japan, Virginia, Korea, and California. These experiences have shaped her perspective on life, fostering adaptability, resilience, and a deep appreciation for different cultures 🌏. She is also one of our Social Media Managers!

With aspirations of becoming a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and working in IT management, Toddi's passion for technology and people led her to choose a major that blends both worlds 💻🤝. Her experiences growing up in a military family taught her how to be adaptable and resourceful, key traits that will guide her professional journey.

When she's not immersed in her studies, Toddi enjoys unwinding by watching TV and writing songs 🎶. She chose SDSU for its diverse, opportunity-rich environment, which aligns with her goal of finding a place where she can thrive and grow. Her time at SDSU is helping her build the foundation for a successful career in IT leadership and management 🔧.

Veterans, your experience is invaluable! 💪 Follow these 6 simple steps to build a resume to standout. And don't forget — the Career Expo is tomorrow! It's the perfect opportunity to network and showcase your skills.

Meet Kelly Sorber, a Social Science major with a focus on Single Subject Teaching at San Diego State University 📚🎓. A proud Navy veteran, Kelly served for an impressive 20 years, following in the footsteps of both her parents, who also had long careers in the Navy ⚓. Growing up around the military, she developed a strong connection to it, which led her to enlist.
Her career goal is to become a History Professor 🏫, driven by the belief that understanding current culture starts with learning about the past. The military not only provided Kelly with financial stability during her active duty but also continues to support her as a retired veteran pursuing full-time education 📘.
Outside of academics, Kelly loves hiking 🌲, finding peace and adventure in the great outdoors. She chose SDSU because it was the closest university to her, and it offered the perfect environment to help her reach her educational and professional aspirations.

Summer Full-Time Equivalency

Major Samuel Nicholas, born in 1744 in Philadelphia, is historically recognized as the first Marine due to his essential role in the founding of the United States Marine Corps. During the early days of the American Revolutionary War, in 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Marines, a new branch intended to serve as an elite naval infantry force for the fledgling American military. Samuel Nicholas was appointed as the first commissioned officer, specifically as a Captain, and tasked with recruiting and organizing the new force. His leadership and military experience were crucial during this formative period, as he played a key role in training and preparing the Marines for their first major operations. He led Marines in several early engagements, including the Battle of New Providence, which was one of the first significant Marine victories.

Though Nicholas’ exact rank at the time is sometimes debated, with some sources claiming he was promoted to Major, his enduring legacy is firmly established as the first person to hold a leadership position in the Marine Corps. The role he played in the Corps’ creation and his influence on the early development of the Marine Corps structure and ethos earned him the title of “First Marine.” His contributions are celebrated annually by the Marine Corps, and his legacy continues to embody the courage, discipline, and fighting spirit that the U.S. Marines are known for today. Through his vision and dedication, Major Samuel Nicholas helped lay the groundwork for one of the most formidable and respected military forces in the world.

🍃 It's ! 🍃 If you're a student veteran or military-connected, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Join the Student Veterans Organization and connect with a supportive community that understands your unique experiences. Whether you're looking for resources, a sense of belonging, or just want to make some new friends, they've got your back! 💪

💡Tip Tuesday: Did you know that San Diego State University offers over 700 scholarship opportunities to help you achieve your educational goals? 🎓✨ Thanks to the generous support of SDSU donors, students can apply for multiple scholarships with just one application through Aztec Scholarships.

💻 The process is simple and quick! Aztec Scholarships filters eligible applicants and sends them directly to the appropiate scholarship committees.

🗓️ Key Dates to Remember:
✅ Current Students: Apply by April 4, 2025 to be considered for most scholarships.
✅ Incoming Students: Apply by August 1, 2025, after completing your intent to enroll.

Plus, there are numerous military scholarships available for our veteran and military-connected students. Don't miss out on the opportunities that can help you thrive at SDSU!

Meet Jaydon Eppinette, a Computer Science major at San Diego State University 🎓💻. A Navy veteran who served for four years, Jaydon chose the military to combine his love for the beach 🏖️ and his desire to travel the world 🌎. He was a Cryptologic Technician (Collection), which gave him the chance to attend various technical courses 🖥️ and experience a deployment that took his ship completely around the globe—a truly unique and invaluable adventure ⚓🌍.

Jaydon’s career aspirations revolve around becoming a software developer 💻🚀. He’s passionate about building complex systems and wanted to pursue a field that would allow him to achieve that. Outside of academics, Jaydon enjoys hiking 🥾, surfing 🏄‍♂️, weightlifting 🏋️‍♂️, and playing strategy games ♟️—activities that help him unwind and stay active.

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina 🌲, Jaydon chose SDSU to stay local and felt the university offered the right education to help him succeed. He’s excited about his future in tech and the opportunities ahead!