Student Spotlight 2022: John Graziano, U.S. Navy

Tell us about yourself.

I am from Canton, Connecticut, and I served as a rescue swimmer in the Navy. I joined the military to pay for my education. 

What was your educational background prior to attending WSP, and which of our courses did you attend? 

Before attending WSP at Columbia University, I graduated from high school. 

Why did you decide to participate in WSP this summer, and was there a shift in your confidence level from the first day of the course to the last day?

I attended Warrior-Scholar Project to get an introduction back to academics before beginning school for the first time in six years. My confidence was low at the beginning of the course but gradually increased as the week progressed.         

What were some key insights you gained during your courses, and what is your biggest takeaway?

The largest insight I received after attending WSP is that there is a massive network of veterans in college who want to help other veterans in any way they can. The most important thing I learn that would assist me in pursuing my egress is the ability to reach out and ask for help when needed.

In one word, how would you describe your overall experience?

Eye-opening!