Student Spotlight: Michael Lamberd, Air Force

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Michael Lamberd. I am from Lawndale, CA, and I am an engineering technician in the Air National Guard. Before joining the reserves, I served as an aircraft maintenance operations controller in the Air Force. I chose to enlist in the finest military in the world to harness the frontiers of technology, to walk beside those who dare greatly, and to seek out challenges that test both skill and spirit, because in that crucible, purpose is forged.

Fun fact: I designed a disaster relief shelter inspired by the form of a stealth fighter. Built from shipping pallets, paper tubes, and a mountain of zip ties, it was more than just a study in materials. It was a response to crisis, designed to be lightweight, modular, and rapidly deployable when time and resources are scarce. That project reflects how I move between two worlds. In uniform, I work under pressure to solve urgent engineering and infrastructure challenges. In the studio as an architecture student, I explore how design can meet human needs with creativity and care. Each role strengthens the other, and somewhere between fieldwork and late-night model building, I have learned that the most beautiful ideas often come from the messiest conditions.

Did you have any college experience before attending your Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp? Why did you decide to apply?

I had recently graduated from El Camino College with an Associate of Science in Architecture before attending Warrior-Scholar Project’s STEM academic boot camp at the University of Notre Dame. I will be transferring to the University of Southern California this fall to work on earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture.

I decided to participate in Warrior Scholar Project this summer because, before transferring, I wanted to surround myself with like-minded peers, share lessons from my own non-traditional journey, and take full advantage of the incredible academic and mentorship opportunities this program offers. It felt like the perfect opportunity for all of us to grow, contribute, and prepare for what comes next together.

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? 

Honestly? I walked in feeling equal parts excited and unsure. I knew I was stepping into something intense, and part of me wondered if I was ready for the pace, the content, and the caliber of people around me. But I showed up curious, open, and ready to engage. Veterans tend to adapt quickly, and once I leaned into the challenge, I found myself more confident with every discussion, every concept, and every connection we made. That first day reminded me that growth usually starts with a little discomfort and ends with a stronger sense of purpose. It helped that we had the most incredible fellows (Warrior-Scholar Project alums who serve as peer mentors) to boost our experience.

I absolutely experienced a shift in my confidence. By the final day, any uncertainty I felt at the start or throughout had been replaced with a quiet confidence. I was thinking more critically, speaking more clearly, and approaching problems with a sharper mindset. The course didn’t just challenge what I knew; it reminded me of what I’m capable of. Walking out of every room at Notre Dame, I felt ready for what’s ahead and proud of how far we had come in just one week.

What are some of the key takeaways from your boot camp experience? Is there one thing that stood out to you?

One of the biggest lessons I took away was that confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers, but from staying curious, asking better questions, and leaning into the process. I also learned the value of community in academic spaces. Being surrounded by peers who were just as driven, thoughtful, and determined reminded me that learning is never a solo mission. Most of all, Warrior-Scholar Project taught me to trust my preparation and to keep pushing, even when the material feels overwhelming. This mindset will stay with me long after.

However, the most important thing I learned was not written on the board or in the pages we read. It was the quiet realization that intellect is not reserved for the elite and that scholarship, like service, requires discipline, humility, and heart. I learned to trust my instincts, to listen more deeply, and to think with both precision and courage. In that room, surrounded by strangers who quickly became peers, I found proof that the path I had taken, though unconventional, had prepared me all along. What I carried out was more than knowledge. It was a sense of place, of purpose, and of knowing I am enough.

How would you describe your overall experience?

It felt like being thrown into cold, deep water and then realizing I could swim just fine. The pace was fast, the material hit hard, and my brain definitely got a workout, but it was the kind of challenge that wakes you up in the best way. I came in curious, left prepared, and somewhere in between, I even had fun.

Do you have any parting words?

I can confirm that Warrior-Scholar Project is like boot camp for the mind, minus the yelling, plus Newton. You’ll question everything, including your life choices, note-taking strategy, and whether sleep is a myth, but by the end, you’ll be sharper, prouder, and weirdly sad it’s over. Can’t recommend it enough!