SCOTTSDALE — When “God Bless America” played at Dani Bermudez’s naturalization ceremony, the moment gave her chills and cemented her resolve to one day serve in the military.

The Colombia native enlisted in the Arizona Army National Guard in 2017, where she served for seven years as a behavioral health specialist.

That military experience inspired her to advance her career by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

The Chandler resident ended up enrolling in Arizona State University’s online program.

“When I enrolled at ASU, I was immediately welcomed to the Pat Tillman Veterans Center,” Bermudez said. “Even as an online student, I still felt very integrated.”

Bermudez is one of more than 20,000 military-connected students enrolled in degree programs at ASU, including through ASU Online.

Designed to meet the unique needs of military-connected students, ASU Online includes a veteran-specific department with coaches that address unique challenges veterans face.

Embracing a military community of care
Like many students, Bermudez had tried school before. She was concerned that her pre-existing GPA would become a barrier to earning her degree.

ASU’s Earned Admission process, allows students to improve their GPA before enrolling.

“Everyone in the process was super respectful and excited that I was giving college another go,” she said. “No one ever asked me why my grades were so low. They offered me resources and encouragement.”

While earning her degree, Bermudez balanced life obligations as a reservist while also holding full-time jobs as a civilian in the National Guard. She rounded out her college experience by participating in student veteran clubs and doing work-study for the Tillman Center.

To manage work, parenting and school, she leveraged time management skills honed over her years in the service.

Today, she works as the self-directed harm prevention specialist in the integrated primary prevention workforce for the National Guard — a role she landed by having a bachelor’s degree.

Bermudez journey now includes pursuit of her master’s degree in psychology so that she can better serve fellow service members.

“I knew that I wanted to learn something that could lead to a career in helping people,” she said. “My ASU degree helped me understand people and myself better. It broadened my knowledge in various disciplines and allowed me to succeed. It was a great fit for me and my family.”

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org.