At John Jay College, we’re committed to providing our military service members, veterans, and their families the support they need to reach their academic, professional, and personal goals. These talented students sacrificed a great deal to protect our country and the ideals that we hold dear. We consider it an honor to further their education and create an environment focused on their success. As a continuation of the admirable work done by our Military and Veteran Services Center and Veterans Association, we’re excited to highlight the achievements of our military and veteran community in our “Salute to Service” article series. As you read about their journeys, accomplishments, and aspirations, two things will become abundantly clear: These servicemen and servicewomen are focused on their education—with a 90 percent graduation rate—and they know how to support each other. Whether they’ve served in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy, their unique experiences and perspectives play a vital role in our community.

On September 11, 2001, both of Cassandra Rodriguez’s ’19, ’21 parents were police officers in the New York City Police Department (NYPD). It was their bravery—and the heroism of all the first responders that day—that led to her decision to join the military. “The NYPD was like family and when I was 18 years old, I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard,” says Rodriguez, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a winner of the T-Mobile Supplementary Scholarship for Veterans award. “I truly believe there is no greater calling in life than to serve your country. I was the first female from my high school to join the military and I did that because I truly wanted to be part of something larger than myself. Joining the Coast Guard felt like destiny.”

With three years of service to the U.S. Coast Guard, Rodriguez reached the rank of Petty Officer and worked as a machinery technician where she gained a breadth of knowledge in all areas of machinery operation and maintenance, as well as computer-based programs. “When you are part of the U.S. Coast Guard, you have a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in a variety of different areas,” says Rodriguez. “This helps you become a better person and guardsman, and ultimately helps you stand out to employees when you return to civilian life.” We connected with Rodriguez to learn more about her time with the U.S. Coast Guard and her experience at John Jay.

While actively serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, what did a typical day look like for you?
Each day was different and brought on a new set of unique challenges. One day I would find myself diagnosing an engine problem, the next day I would be climbing “Jacob’s ladder” to board a ship, and the day after that I would be performing safety inspections on an enormous cargo vessel. My experience with the U.S. Coast Guard was so valuable because I was able to gain discipline, perfect my time management, acquire new skills, and learn so much about myself and my capabilities.

Can you describe your best day in the U.S. Military? What happened that day to make you proud, happy, or encouraged?
While stationed in Seattle, Washington, our unit would go to local schools to speak with students and educate them on water safety and the U.S. Coast Guard. It was a special experience because growing up I didn’t know that much about the U.S. Coast Guard and all the possible career paths it offers to Guardsmen—there truly is a job for everyone. Being able to give these students a first-hand look at the Coast Guard and our boats, telling them about my experience in the military, and seeing how excited they were, that’s a favorite memory of mine.

What was the most challenging aspect of serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and how did you overcome this challenge?
During my time in the military, I was stationed at several different units across the country where success hinged upon possessing a high level of adaptability and independence. For me, it was very challenging constantly having to move, but I chose to look at each move as the start of a new adventure and an opportunity to grow as a person, mentally, and professionally.

What was it about John Jay that made it the right College for you?
My father, Felipe Rodriguez ’01, ’07, received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from John Jay College and has been an adjunct professor in the Department of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration at the College since I was 10 years old. So, in many ways John Jay College is a second home for me. I remember as a kid coming to John Jay with my dad and dreaming of being a student at the College one day. At the 2019 commencement, when I earned my bachelor’s degree, my dad gave me my diploma during the ceremony. It’s my favorite John Jay memory.

What was your experience like as a student at John Jay?
I was still on active-duty orders during my first semester at John Jay. It was challenging to take a full schedule of classes while working, but I knew with the support I was getting at the College, my ability to adapt and overcome challenges, and my time management skills, I could handle it and succeed academically. I earned a 4.0 GPA that semester and went on to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in Law and Society in 2019 and a 4.0 GPA. I returned to the College soon after to be a graduate student and earned my Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) in Inspection and Oversight in 2021.

How did John Jay’s Military and Veteran Services Center and Veterans Association impact your journey at John Jay?
The veterans community at John Jay has given me so much to be grateful for. From the very start of my John Jay journey, Richard Pusateri, Military and Veterans Services Manager, helped me by being a sounding board, setting up my educational benefits, and introducing me to other military students. Through the Veterans Center I was able to connect with students that had similar service experiences. I was able to assist new students transitioning out of the military into college by introducing them to older students that could help them adjust to their new life.

My work with the Veterans Association during my undergraduate career enabled me to participate in different events at John Jay—including the Hispanic Military Luncheon, Coast Guard Luncheon, and Military Women Event—where I could highlight the valuable role our servicemen and servicewoman play to keep us all safe. I wanted to continue to serve the College community during my time in the MPA graduate program, so I ran and was elected Vice President of the Veterans Association and the Graduate Representative on the Student Council. Because of John Jay and the Veterans Center, I had an amazing community to lean on and every resource I needed to succeed academically.

What advice would you give to other U.S. Military servicemen and servicewomen considering going to back to college and thinking about attending John Jay College?
John Jay is truly the best place for servicemembers transitioning from the military to college. The Military and Veterans Services Center and Veterans Association provide professional, emotional, and physical support for students. So, don’t hesitate to start your college journey at John Jay. When you have the right resources and support in place, like you have at John Jay College, it’s never too late to begin anew.