Recognizing the service, contributions, and sacrifices of our veteran and military service men and women, the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award—established by generous donors Peter and Sarah Beshar—supports the educational pursuits and aspirations of John Jay veteran and military students. We sat down with recipients of the scholarship to learn more about how their military service has shaped their lives and how this scholarship will impact their continued path to success.

When Lorraine Gonzalez ’23, a Forensic Toxicology major from Newark, New Jersey, learned she had been named a winner of the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award, her thoughts immediately went to her father, a U.S. military veteran. “The award changes both my life and my dad’s life in the most positive way,” says Gonzalez, a Private First class (PFC) 42A Human Resource Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves. “Not only does the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award enable me to continue my education, but it also helps take the financial burden off of my father who helps pay for my tuition. He’s disabled and seeing him hand over his disability and retirement money to me so that I could pay tuition, breaks my heart.” Reflecting on their current conditions—she lives with her dad in one-room basement apartment—Gonzalez wants more for herself and her dad. “He’s made so many sacrifices for me,” says Gonzalez. “I want him to see how dedicated I am. I want to be a role model for others. I want to show him that all the sacrifices he made for me didn’t go to waste. I want to be great for him. This award has cleared the path for me to succeed in life. Because of the Beshars’ generosity, I’ll be able to earn my degree and achieve my dreams; and my dad will be able to enjoy his retirement in peace.” 

Joining the Military
Two years ago, Gonzalez joined the U.S. military, where as a Private First Class 42A in the Army Reserves she’s proudly serving her country and helping her fellow soldiers. Enlisting in the army was also a way for her to honor her dad. “I look up to my father and wanted to follow in his footsteps. When I enlisted, I was the same age he was when he enlisted in the Army. The experience in training and serving has given me a new perspective on how driven he was,” says Gonzalez, adding that the military was also a way for her to challenge herself and evolve as a person. “I knew joining the military would teach me how to face and overcome obstacles instead of running away from them. The military has helped shape who I am. The experience has made me a more driven, motivated, passionate and determined person,” she says. Looking back at her training experience, Gonzalez is able to see clearly how far she’s come. “I went from being one of the weakest people in training, to one of the strongest. In the military, your biggest challenge is controlling your mindset. During training, it wasn’t unusual to see people around you being negative or quitting. Fortunately for me, my mindset was to push through. I would even ask my drill sergeant to put me through the exercises on my day off because I wanted to become stronger and better. The military has shown me how much potential I have and how hard work and dedication can make anything possible.”

Earning her Degree
Bringing the same level of tenacity to her education at John Jay, Gonzalez is zeroing in on earning her degree in Forensic Toxicology. “My goal is to work as a Forensic Toxicologist in a laboratory anywhere in the world. I want to help solve crimes while also expanding my horizons,” she says. The decision to come to John Jay seemed almost natural to Gonzalez who wanted to be at an institution that could give her the support she needed as a military student, and the education and resources she needed to have a successful career. “Being a military student at John Jay has been a blessing. The Office of Military and Veteran Services and the Veterans Association at John Jay are extremely helpful. They’re quick to respond to any questions or concerns you may have, and they show that they truly care about students,” says Gonzalez. Through the Federal Work Study program, she’s able to work with the Military and Veteran Services office providing other military and veteran students with information on benefits, education, and future job opportunities. “I’m so grateful to be at John Jay and to have the support of the Military and Veteran Services office and Veterans Association. Continuing my education, earning my degree, and reaching my full potential is my ultimate goal. And, thanks to the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award, I can keep my eye on my dreams and not worry about how my dad and I are going to pay my tuition. With that kind of motivation and support, I know life for us, can only go up from here.”