408 Ryan Pawel – Warrior-Scholar Project

Ryan Pavel is a Marine Corps veteran and advocate for veterans' education through the Warrior-Scholar Project
Ryan reflected on the Marine Corps' unique culture, which accepts a higher turnover rate compared to other branches of the military. This churn keeps the force young and dynamic but also means that many veterans face the challenge of transitioning to civilian life sooner than they might have anticipated. Understanding this dynamic can help veterans prepare for the transition and seek out the support they need.
Ryan's journey after leaving the Marine Corps led him to pursue higher education, where he focused on understanding the implications of the Iraq War through an academic lens. This process was both therapeutic and challenging, as it forced him to confront difficult truths about his service and the decisions made during the war. His experiences underscore the importance of education in helping veterans navigate their post-military lives.
The Warrior-Scholar Project aims to empower veterans to make informed decisions about their educational paths, helping them navigate the complexities of benefits, school options, and personal aspirations. The program focuses on building confidence and skills through intensive workshops that immerse veterans in the academic environment, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Ryan emphasizes that the decision to pursue a degree is deeply personal and that only the individual can determine its value. He encourages veterans to reflect on their motivations for wanting to attend college and to engage in conversations with professionals in their desired fields. This research is crucial for veterans to articulate their "why" for pursuing higher education, which can help them navigate the complexities of the application process and the demands of college life.
The conversation serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and the transformative power of education for those who have served. For more information about the Warrior-Scholar Project and how you can support their mission, visit their website (https://www.warrior-scholar.org/)
Thank you, Ryan, for talking with me. You got me to ask myself some questions I hadn’t considered before. Semper Fidelis