Student Spotlight: Muhammet (Jacob) Citiroglu, Army National Guard
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Muhammet (Jacob) Citiroglu, and I am from Grand Blanc, MI. I served in the Army National Guard as a cannon crewmember. I joined the military to develop discipline and a perspective that would strengthen both my academic and professional goals. Serving as a cannon crewmember taught me how to lead under uncertainty, manage complex operations, and work as part of a high-performing team. Those experiences continue to shape how I approach leadership, education, and service beyond the military.
I’m passionate about bridging economics, technology, and service. I’m currently developing a lending model that could make auto financing more stable and fair—something I started working on while studying economics at UM–Flint. I love taking abstract theories and applying them to real-world systems that can help people and communities.
Did you have any college experience before attending your Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp? Why did you decide to apply?
I’m a junior studying Economics at the University of Michigan–Flint. I’ve really enjoyed exploring how financial systems and incentives shape real-world outcomes, and I’m especially interested in applying what I learn to entrepreneurship and economic innovation.
I decided to participate in Warrior-Scholar Project’s (WSP) humanities academic boot camp at Michigan State University because I wanted to strengthen my academic foundation and push myself beyond my comfort zone. Transitioning between military service, entrepreneurship, and university life has taught me the value of discipline and lifelong learning. I saw WSP as a chance to sharpen my writing, critical thinking, and communication skills in a challenging environment surrounded by other motivated veterans.
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?
Going into the first day, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the academic intensity, but I knew it would challenge me in the best way. I was excited to meet other veterans who shared the same drive to learn and grow, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could excel in an academic environment just as I do in the military and business world. By the final day, I noticed a real shift in my confidence. At the start, I was unsure how I’d compare academically to other participants, but by the end, I realized I could keep up and contribute meaningfully. The program reminded me that discipline, curiosity, and teamwork translate directly from the military to the classroom. I left WSP feeling more capable, more focused, and ready to tackle challenging coursework with confidence.
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 from WSP is that academic success is built on the same principles as military success — discipline, teamwork, and humility. I learned how to approach complex readings critically, communicate ideas clearly, and not be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. The program reminded me that learning is a continuous process and that confidence in the classroom comes from effort, not perfection.
The most important thing I learned during boot camp was that discipline and curiosity go hand in hand. In the military, discipline keeps you steady; at WSP, curiosity pushes you forward. I realized that when you combine both — staying focused while constantly asking “why” and “how” — you can grow in any environment, whether it’s the field, the classroom, or business.
How would you describe your overall experience?
My overall experience at WSP was both challenging and rewarding. There were definitely moments when my brain felt overloaded—like trying to absorb an entire semester in a week—but that’s what made it so valuable. The program pushed me to think deeper, write clearer, and engage more confidently in academic discussions. By the end, I felt genuinely proud of how much I had grown and grateful for the friendships and mentorship that came with it.
Do you have any parting words?
Warrior-Scholar Project reminded me that growth doesn’t stop when you leave the military—it just takes a new form. The program challenged me to think critically, communicate with confidence, and believe in the impact veterans can make in academics and beyond. I’m grateful for the mentors, classmates, and lessons that continue to shape how I approach leadership, learning, and service.