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50 G.I. JOBS | OCTOBER 2016 | GIJOBS.COM STUDENT GRADUATE Perry Russell Degree: Juris Doctor, May 2016 Undergraduate Degree: Criminal justice, University of South Carolina, 2013 Age: 28 Military Service: Army National Guard (2005-2011) Highest Rank: Sergeant (E-5) MOS: Counterintelligence Officer (35E), Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer (94A) How do you relax? I like to fish, work out and spend time with my wife, Skyler. Childhood dream job? I wanted to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. This may not be a typical job, but it was the one that I wanted. First job you ever had? I did some home repair work with my uncle when I was about 12 years old. Worst job you ever had? The worst job I ever had was working for Arby's. The actual job wasn't so bad, only the customers. If you could have dinner with three people, who would they be? I would have dinner with Sir Richard Branson, Mark Wahlberg, and Elon Musk. FUN FACTS How are you making up the difference? RUSSELL: I got scholarships and a relatively small amount in loans. What advice would you offer to service members who are considering using their GI Bill? RUSSELL: I would tell them not to think about it and just do it. I know of many vets that do not use this amazing benefit that is well-deserved. Are there any blunders you would urge service members transiঞoning to a post-military educaঞon to avoid? to a post-military educaঞon to avoid? RUSSELL: I would tell them to apply for whatever money as soon as possible. Sometimes, the GI Bill will get behind and won't be able to pay as soon as one would need it. What would you expect from a school that is designated Military Friendly that is designated Military Friendly ® ? RUSSELL: I had no idea what to expect. I thought it was just awarded to schools thought I thought it was just awarded to schools it I thought it was just awarded to schools was I thought it was just awarded to schools just I thought it was just awarded to schools awarded I thought it was just awarded to schools to I thought it was just awarded to schools schools I thought it was just awarded to schools that have an unusual amount of military students. I was wrong. As soon as I got to Florida Coastal, I was contacted and the school linked me up with a second year law student, a fellow veteran, to be my mentor. This guy helped me to want to get involved, develop study plans, and with how to balance "normal life" with my law school life. What makes Florida Coastal School of Law a Military Friendly ® School? RUSSELL: The faculty and staff help make Florida Coastal a Military Friend- ly ® School. There are many professors who are veterans and they are always willing to give advice, talk about their "glory days," or just sit and listen about yours. Florida Coastal has an open door policy when it comes to the professors and they are always there to make you feel like family. of my professors told me that I had the charisma and compassion to be a great advocate. After some nudging and sup- port from my professor and my then- girlfriend, now wife, I finally decided to take the LSAT. At the time, I saw many lawyers fighting for others or beliefs that they had. I wanted to do the same. How did you research law schools? RUSSELL: I knew that I wanted to stay in the South. I used to visit some of my family in Florida so I decided I wanted to come here. Why did you decide to aend Florida Coastal School of Law? RUSSELL: I had a great experience with the Wounded Warrior Project when I came home from Afghanistan. I found out that the headquarters was right down the road from Florida Coastal. After I applied and got in, my next step was to give back to Wounded Warrior because they gave to me. What kind of law do you want to pracঞce? RUSSELL: Some kind of transactional law. How does your military experience help you as a law student? RUSSELL: The military's focus on at- tention to detail has helped me the most. The importance of attention to detail is expressed constantly in the military. I found that attention to detail is just as important for studying, for actual practice and it is important for making bonds with your client. Are you using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to finance your educaঞon? RUSSELL: Yes Has it covered all of your expenses? RUSSELL: No