Student Spotlight: Devin Murillo, Navy
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Devin Murillo. I am from New York, NY, and serve in the United States Navy as the lead Yeoman onboard the USS Delaware. I joined the Navy straight out of high school, at a time when I lacked direction and didn’t see many opportunities ahead of me. I didn’t come from much, and I wasn’t a strong student, but enlisting gave me a chance to turn things around and prove something to myself.
A big part of my motivation to join the Navy was my uncle Mauricio, or as I would call him, Tío Moe. He was my role model growing up, as we did everything together. I remember flipping through our family photo albums as a kid, seeing him in uniform and wanting to be just like him. He served in the Army and found success post-service. I unfortunately lost him during the 9/11 attacks. Joining the military felt like a way to honor his legacy and carry forward the values he lived by.
I don’t think most 18-year-olds are fully prepared to make lifelong decisions about careers or college; I know I wasn’t. Enlisting in the Navy turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. It gave me structure, purpose, and the opportunity to figure out who I am and what I want from life. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
Something interesting about me is that I’m a tourist in my own city, and I absolutely love everything about New York! History and art have always been my biggest passions, and there’s truly nowhere else in the world that offers such rich experiences in both. I like to think of myself as an unofficial historian and am known for having a repository of fun facts. For example, did you know that more gunpowder was used to clear the land for Central Park than was used during the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War? Or that there’s a 15th-century Egyptian obelisk, known as “Cleopatra’s Needle,” tucked away in the park? Google the story, it’s a great read and visit!
Lastly, if UNO were a professional sport, I’d represent Team USA at the Olympics, Winning Gold each time.
Did you have any college experience before attending your Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp? Why did you decide to apply?
I struggled in school and barely graduated from high school. But during my time in the military, I excelled in training and academic courses, which gave me the confidence to believe I was finally ready to start college.
Transitioning out of the military can be incredibly overwhelming, and at times, a little scary. I knew I wanted to pursue higher education after my service, but I wasn’t sure what that path would look like.
I came across Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) completely by chance. After returning home from my final deployment, I attended the Department of Defense’s mandatory Transition Assistance Program, where I happened to see a flyer for WSP. A quick Google search gave me the basics, and the organization immediately caught my attention.
I looked up their upcoming courses and saw that Yale was hosting a humanities course in just three weeks. I jumped at the opportunity and applied. Matt Mildorf, WSP’s Outreach and Recruiting Manager, saw my application, reached out to me, and, after hearing my story, moved mountains to get me a seat.
In that moment, I felt truly seen. I knew right away that this organization was different. You could tell how much they truly cared. Everything happened so quickly that it felt almost too good to be true.
What were you feeling going into the first day of your boot camp? Did you experience a shift in your confidence as the week progressed?
I was nervous, scared of the unknown, and overwhelmed by the thought of integrating into a new group in an unfamiliar setting. The schedule was intense, and for a moment, I worried that I wouldn’t be capable of grasping the curriculum.
I walked into this course knowing almost nothing about higher education. After being out of school for over a decade, the idea of reentering an academic environment was intimidating. WSP gave me the chance to relearn how to learn, and that made all the difference.
My incredible Fellow, Elyxis Moton (Ely), a fellow Navy veteran, recognized my struggle early on. She immediately connected with me and made me feel like I belonged. Throughout the course, she gave her all, not just to me, but to every one of my classmates. Her encouragement and energy gave me the confidence to, as she would say, “lean into it” and become comfortable with the uncomfortable. With her support, I quickly found my voice again and began to fully embrace the experience and the road ahead.
What are some of the key takeaways from your boot camp experience? Is there one thing that stood out to you?
I learned that the term “veteran” is incredibly broad; no two people’s service to the nation is exactly the same. We’ve all experienced the military differently, but we share the same core values and fundamental skill sets. I also came to realize that our service translates well into the academic world. The key is learning how to effectively transfer those skills into the classroom.
Jimmy Hatch’s speech on imposter syndrome really resonated with me, as we all struggle with it. It’s important to remember that you are more than your service. You’re an individual, and your military experience doesn’t define your full potential. Don’t limit yourself; you absolutely belong at these institutions. The hard part is already behind you. Now it’s time to go out, discover who you are, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ve earned it.
How would you describe your overall experience?
My experience with WSP was incredibly rewarding. Despite some initial struggles, I quickly fell in love with the course and with the organization itself. I would wholeheartedly recommend WSP to any service member or veteran considering higher education or already pursuing it. This is a resource that’s here for you. The organization and its donors truly value you and your service. They’ve walked the path you’re on and are committed to helping you reach your goals.
Do you have any parting words?
To all service members and veterans: your service and sacrifices have earned you something incredibly valuable, your very own golden ticket. The GI Bill is more than just a benefit; it’s a scholarship that pays you to succeed. Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve earned your place at top institutions; you just have to believe in yourself and take that leap of faith.