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.
As the Fall 2020 semester kicked off, graduate student Karina Mejia ’23, a Private Second Class in the U.S. Army, wondered whether she would be able to continue her education and earn her master’s degree in public administration. “A hold had been placed on my school account. I was stressed out about paying it off for the rest of this semester, and I was afraid of not being able to register for next semester,” says Mejia, who is working to complete her M.P.A. in public policy and administration. Thankfully, while searching for funding opportunities, she came across the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award; a scholarship that aims to give back to those who have served their country. With renewed hope, Mejia applied and was soon named a winner. “Without the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award, I would have had to put my education on hold,” she says. “Winning the scholarship has been an enormous relief. Because of the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award I can now focus on my classwork this semester and not worry about whether I will be able to pay tuition and register for classes next semester.” We sat down with Mejia to learn how serving in the military has played an instrumental role in shaping who she is today.
“Because of the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award I can now focus on my classwork this semester and not worry about whether I will be able to pay tuition and register for classes next semester.” —Karina Mejia
Why was it important for you to serve your Country?
Joining the military was completely unplanned for me. I was in my first year of college and felt like I wanted to do something else with my life, so I decided to join the National Guard. Serving in the National Guard has taught me the value and meaning of brotherhood and sisterhood, teamwork, and selfless service. When things were tough, my fellow soldiers and I had each other’s back. I now take these fundamental ideas with me everywhere I go. In fact, I am pursuing a career in public service because of these experiences.
“Serving in the National Guard has taught me the value and meaning of brotherhood and sisterhood, teamwork, and selfless service. When things were tough, my fellow soldiers and I had each other’s back.” —Karina Mejia
What have your biggest challenges been being in the military?
One of my biggest challenges was finishing my training. We had drills once a month and annual training for two weeks every summer. Drill weekends were especially long and arduous because I worked a full-time civilian job during the week, and I knew it would be a while before I would have a day off to rest. But I was determined to give it my all. Early on in boot camp, I injured my leg. The injury got so bad that I ended up on crutches toward the end of boot camp. I feared being sent home and feeling like a failure, so I did my best to fight through the pain. This resulted in me not being able to participate in graduation with my class. In the end, I made it through my training. Being a part of the military was one of the most challenging times of my life, but it was one of the most amazing experiences.
“The support I feel as a veteran studying at John Jay cannot be compared to any other college I have ever been enrolled at. Being a student here has allowed me to connect with other military service members and receive assistance on scholarship research, resume writing, and job information through the services available at the College.” —Karina Mejia
How has John Jay supported you as a veteran?
The support I feel as a veteran studying at John Jay has been wonderful and cannot be compared to any other college I have ever been enrolled at. Being a student at John Jay has allowed me to connect with other military service members and receive assistance on scholarship research, resume writing, and job information through the services available at the College. The John Jay Veterans Association has been an integral part of my college experience because it has given me the opportunity to build relationships with other veterans, like Michael Sabato. Michael served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and now he works with veterans at John Jay as a peer mentor. He is also pursuing an M.P.A. degree at John Jay. He’s been extremely kind to all of us and continues to be a great help.
Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
In five years, I see myself enrolled in law school. In 10 years, I hope to be practicing law and continuing my work in public service to the community. And, with the support of the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award, I’ll be a step closer to reaching my goals.
