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February 3, 2025

Student Spotlight: Kelvin Velez, Navy Veteran

Kelvin Velez leans against the front of a car

Kelvin Velez is a Nursing major who started at Roberts in January. A Navy veteran, Velez thoroughly researched before choosing where to pursue a university education. He began with the VA Benefits website, discovering Roberts' Military Friendly Gold School designation and fully accepting his GI Bill benefits. This led him to explore veteran forums where retired military members share their experiences about going to college. Other veterans who had gone to Roberts Wesleyan University gave Kelvin glowing reviews of their education and experiences, particularly praising the nursing program’s faculty.

A fellow veteran specifically recommended Roberts based on his experience and the value of a smaller school where "you won't get lost in the crowd." He described how faculty members mentored beyond the classroom. As a Christian university, Roberts places importance on morals, which aligns with Velez’s values and his desire for an education that develops both professional skills and character.

Where are you from?

I was raised in New York City until I was 13, then I moved to Rochester.

What do you see yourself doing as a career? 

I enjoy the medical field and am currently interested in becoming a Nurse Anesthesiologist.

I was a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsman in the U.S. Navy and was specifically trained to provide medical care to Marines in combat and on the field. FMF Corpsman go through an intensive 6-month school and then after, have to be qualified in the field and pass a Board examination to receive that certification and be "pinned.”

Why did you choose a Roberts education to help you reach those goals? 

Out of all the colleges and universities that accepted me, Roberts was the only one to reach out personally, not just send an acceptance email. My admissions counselor was Addison “Addie” Pak, and her personal contact information mattered to me. That struck a chord with me as the military emphasizes interpersonal relationships.

What made this particular college stand out compared to others in terms of supporting student veterans?

The college is very personable. People reach out to you and guide you through the process. It’s not just wading through web pages. My first impression of the college is that people matter and that the school is much tighter-knit and relationship-based compared to many other colleges.

What inspired you to pursue higher education after your military service?

The military provides a lot of education and experience that you cannot find anywhere else, however, the Military certifications and accreditations are not transferable to the civilian sector. To be able to work at a similar or higher level of expertise, higher education is mandatory.

3 members of the miliary, Kelvin Velez stands in the middle

Velez, in the middle

How did your military experience influence your choice of major or career path?

I was an FMF Corpsman in the U.S. Navy and served for nine years. I practiced medicine during this time and grew to love taking care of Marines and their families.

How has your military training affected your approach to studying and time management?

In the military, there are no excuses. You are expected to complete your work promptly, efficiently, and correctly the first time. That mindset and the fact that sometimes lives are on the line have allowed me to become proficient in adapting and learning new skills quickly, and to pick out which parts of the learning process are more important for me than others.

What advice would you give to other veterans considering going back to school?

If you qualify for the GI Bill, there is no reason not to go to school. Everyone can learn something new, and no one knows everything.

What has surprised you most about returning to civilian and academic life?

In the military, there is this sense of camaraderie, it’s a family. You take care of your juniors the same way your seniors take care of you. It wasn’t limited to just the job. We helped each other in every aspect of life, personal and professional.

I am older than most of the students in my classes and find myself returning to that mindset where I want to care for those around me.

I guess that might be what I miss the most from the military, that sense that no one was a stranger, even if you just met them.

Faculty Feedback

Dr. Christa Marshall headshot

“Kelvin is a student in my General Psychology course.  He stood out immediately for several reasons:  he is always prepared, he is always engaged, and he is always asking good questions and going beyond the basics of course content to enhance his understanding of the material.  His academic knowledge and real-world experience have clearly prepared him well for his time here at Roberts. I look forward to seeing how his academic and professional career develops!”

- Dr. Christa Marshall, Assistant Professor of Psychology

 

Dr. Peter LaCelle headshot

“Kelvin is studying in my Anatomy and Physiology II class this semester. He stood out to me immediately as very poised and professional, and at the same time, upbeat and positive. He is confident, but with a disarming demeanor and a ready smile, which represents the makings of an excellent patient care provider, and a natural leader. I look forward to working with him this semester.

- Dr. Peter LaCelle, Professor of Biology