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A VETERAN with foreign Interests

Photography by Alejandro Aguirre, MFA Parsons ‘24 & U.S. Army Green Beret

“The program at The New School was the perfect fit for me — my career, the city, social justice, my curiosity for politics and international affairs.”

— Suzanne, BA Lang '24 and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Suzanne is no stranger to intense environments and complex challenges. After serving in the Marine Corps and working at NATO, she reached a pivotal point in her career where she felt the need to step back, reflect, and expand her horizons. Seeking a deeper understanding of the complex political and international landscapes she had been navigating, Suzanne made the bold decision to quit her job and pursue a new path. Her destination? The New School in New York City.

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Suzanne’s journey to The New School began unexpectedly during her time at NATO. “I was looking to quit my job and go back to school,” she recalls. It was during this transition that a visit from a senior advisor for the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, Alex Bell, who had earned her master’s degree in international affairs from The New School, piqued Suzanne’s interest. “I had never heard of anybody attending The New School,” she says. This discovery prompted Suzanne to research the university, and she quickly found herself drawn to its alternative, liberal approach to education.

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Suzanne describes The New School as an ideal place for veterans like herself who are eager to reengage with academia in a fresh, progressive environment. “I was looking for a school that would complement my experience in the Marine Corps and NATO,” she says. The New School’s Bachelor’s Program for Adult and Transfer Students (BPATS) was particularly appealing, offering a way for Suzanne to reconnect with education after years away from school, “This is the perfect fit for me. My career, the city, for social justice, my curiosity for politics and international affairs.” The program is tailored for individuals who have taken breaks in their careers and want to return to higher education, making it a perfect fit for Suzanne.

Despite the challenges of diving back into academics, Suzanne found the transition from military life to a liberal arts education to be a rewarding experience. “Coming into The New School, I just wanted to learn,” she says. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my desire to, you know, decolonize my mind. Now that I’ve been here for two years, I have a clearer vision of what I can do with everything I’ve learned.” For Suzanne, The New School offered more than just academic growth; it provided an environment where she could merge her military background with her newfound passion for social justice. She became deeply involved in political clubs on campus, an experience she describes as incredibly rewarding.

“If you are curious and politically awakened and you want to challenge yourself, you should definitely go to The New School because it offers a very conducive environment for exploring anything that you’ve been questioning in your life,”

One of the most significant aspects of Suzanne’s experience at The New School has been the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals who share her commitment to making a difference. The university’s open culture and dedication to social justice resonated deeply with Suzanne’s values. “I want to go into progressive organizations that fight for social justice, organizations that are more active and on the ground, working with humanitarian law,” she explains. “After working at NATO, and after learning so much here with all the courses I’ve taken, I’m convinced that this is what I want to do.”

However, Suzanne acknowledges that bridging the gap between her military background and the often liberal environment of The New School has not always been easy. She notes that the veteran community sometimes struggles to find connection and understanding in civilian spaces. “Being a veteran, it’s like if you’re in the room with another veteran, you just get it,” she says. Despite these challenges, Suzanne has found support among her professors and peers, who have encouraged her to embrace her unique perspective, “the professors really care. You find people that really care about you and listen to you.”

A woman with long, wavy brown hair and light skin is standing in front of a large bookshelf in a library or study room. She is holding a smartphone in her right hand and looking at the camera. The bookshelf is filled with various books, some labeled with white stickers, and is white in color. There are orange armchairs around a white round table with books stacked on it in the foreground. The room has wooden floors and a large window to the right, letting in natural light.
A group of people, including a military officer and a woman in white, wearing masks and holding hands during an outdoor event.
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Suzanne recalls a pivotal moment early in her time at The New School when the head of the International Affairs department personally reached out to offer her an internship opportunity that seemed out of reach. “He flagged an opportunity for me that I thought was not possible,” she says. “But he said, ‘No, no, no, I’m in charge of this. You can do it.’” This encouragement and mentorship exemplify the kind of supportive environment Suzanne has found at The New School—one where people are invested in her success and eager to help her achieve her goals.

Reflecting on her journey, Suzanne sees her time at The New School as an essential step toward her future. “I was looking to expand my knowledge in an area that I knew nothing about,” she says. Surrounded by experts, a diverse student body and thought leaders, Suzanne has gained the confidence and skills needed to advocate for change. Whether working within NGOs, think tanks, or grassroots organizations, Suzanne is determined to use her education to challenge old established systems and make a positive impact.

Suzanne’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter how unconventional the path may seem. Her journey from Marine Corps veteran to student at The New School underscores the transformative potential of education and the profound impact that one person’s commitment to learning can have on the world.