My Veterans Center, My Community
Athalia Jorden, United States Navy
My name is Athalia Sarai Jorden, from Bakersfield, California, and I am a 27-year-old wife and mother. In 2015, I made the life-altering decision to join the United States Navy and went on two deployments to the South China Sea; however, in December 2020, my time in the military came to an end. To say the least, I was filled with fear and uncertainty about returning to civilian life.
One thing I knew for sure was that I had always wanted to become a nurse. So, I decided to enroll in higher education and chose Irvine Valley College, where I became a part of the Veterans Center community. I learned about all the resources available to achieve my academic goals, including financial aid, academic advising, and tutoring services. More importantly, they provided me with a sense of belonging and helped me feel welcomed since I was surrounded by people who had gone through similar experiences and understood the unique challenges of transitioning out of the military.
One of the things I love the most about visiting the Veterans Center is the fact that I always get my questions answered. The helpful staff and volunteers are knowledgeable, and they go out of their way to ensure that every veteran who walks through the doors feels included. In addition to the helpful staff, the Veterans Center environment is friendly and inviting. While it is true that not many female veterans hang out in the center, I have never felt intimidated or out of place. On the contrary, I have always felt respected and valued for my service to our country. I hope that I can encourage more women to visit the center and enjoy the same level of support and camaraderie that I have found there. Being part of the Veterans Center community gives me a comforting sense of being part of a family.
I am now proud to say that my hard work and dedication have paid off. I have earned my Associate degree in science with a high GPA, and I am now patiently waiting to be accepted into a nursing program. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Overall, I am grateful for the camaraderie at the Veterans Center and the services it provides to veterans of all backgrounds with the challenging transition out of the military. It is a place where we can come together as a community and support one another in our shared experiences.
