Lauren Kent served on active duty as cryptologic technician communications for the U.S. Navy for five years and as an information technician in the U.S. Navy Reserves for two years.

Before leaving the military, she was selected to testify to Congress as the sole student representative about the challenges millennial students face across the U.S. – challenges Kent herself was worried about facing when she returned to school soon after.

Kent felt welcomed by the CSU Monterey Bay community, enjoying the small class sizes and intimate learning experience as well as the resources and support she received from professors and the Veterans Center staff, saying each goes above and beyond to address students’ needs.

Kent encourages current student veterans to use the leadership skills they’ve acquired through their involvement in the military to provide support for others. 

“It really is rewarding to be a non-traditional student with a unique perspective on education and life that can be beneficial for other students,” says Kent. 

Following her graduation in May, Kent plans to continue to work toward her lifelong dream of becoming a physician. She wants to use her education to fulfill the health care needs of service members and veterans as a military medical doctor.