While serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Vitallia Williams ’22 discovered that she likes hard work and having a clear purpose. This informed her decision to come to Dartmouth, where she brings a unique perspective and voice to the classroom as a student-veteran.

In honor of Veterans Day, Williams; Ryan Irving ’24, a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps; and David Ward ’25, a hospitalman in the U.S. Navy, share their experiences transitioning from service to student life.

“You learn a lot in the military, but it’s structured differently and it’s at a different pace,” says Ward. “For me, it was important to learn how to learn, essentially, and how to carry myself, not only as a college student but as a student at Dartmouth.”

Watch Williams, Irving, and Ward reflect on what Veterans Day means to them.