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40 G.I. JOBS | OCTOBER 2016 | GIJOBS.COM EDU STUDENT SPOTLIGHT WHEN MICHELLE CASTRO left the Marine Corps in 2014, she and her husband wanted to live in Houston. The former field radio operator wanted to help others, so she began studying human resources at the University of Houston, which educates more than 40,750 students in 300-plus undergradu- ate and graduate academic programs on campus and online. "When I first enrolled in classes, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in human resources, but after a few semesters I knew that was not what I wanted to do," she says. "I found myself really interested in kinesiology and ended up switching my degree over to that." She did an internship this summer that cemented the decision. "This summer I participated in an internship with Adap- tive Athletics at the University of Houston, and we hosted an all-women's wheelchair rugby camp. After the camp was over, I definitely knew that I found what I was looking for," she says. We asked Castro about her transition, her adjustment to campus life and her best advice for service members consider- ing using their GI Bill. How did you research your military educaঞon benefits? Castro: Upon exiting the service, it was mandatory for us to attend a SEPS/TAPS class. One of the options they offer is an Accessing Higher Education class. They design the course to break down the different benefits that we could be eligible for. I was interested in using the Post-9/11 GI Bill after finding out about it. Why did you choose this school? Castro: I chose the University of Houston because I wanted to go to a well-recognized university that would offer me all sorts of different benefits. It was in a city, it was a tier one research university, it had hundreds of student organizations, and most of all it had a Veteran Services office that was specifically designed to ensure veteran and dependent success on campus. What are your goals once you're armed with your new degree? Castro: I enjoy working with athletes who come from different backgrounds and different experiences, but I know that I need to go further in my education so that I can do more with the tools that I am already receiving. I'm hoping that I can go back to school and receive my graduate degree in social work. I just really enjoy working with people and helping those around me. I'm not sure what direction I will decide with social work, but I am positive that it will take me far. Are you using the GI Bill? If so, which one? Castro: After using the Post- 9/11 GI Bill for two years, I switched over to Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31). I found out about this benefit through the VSOC (Veteran Success On Campus) counselor at the University of Houston. Does it cover all of your expenses? Castro: I'm so grateful that Vocational Rehabilitation covers all of the tuition and costs that go into receiving my education. With "Voc Rehab" my tuition, mandatory student fees and books are covered each semester. Has your military experience made you a beer student? Castro: I definitely believe that my military experience has taught me to be smarter about the decisions that I make daily. Many of the things the military taught me really come in handy when receiving my education. After serving and then deciding to go back to school, I believe I was able to take school seriously so that I can succeed. Did you have any difficulty adjusঞng to campus culture? Castro: It took me about two years to really adjust to school and campus life. Those first two years I found myself making excuses to not get involved, or making excuses to only stay in the Veteran Services office. In the spring of 2016, I finally realized I needed to branch out and do new things, and because of that decision I was able This Marine waited two years to get involved and wishes she hadn't. GOING TO SCHOOL? GET INVOLVED!