Student Spotlight: Olivia Quiles, Navy
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Olivia Quiles. I am from Temecula, CA, and I served in the Navy as a hospital corpsman. I chose to join the military because I was driven by a strong duty to serve my country, a desire for personal growth and adventure, and the opportunity to pursue educational and professional development. I also have a deep passion for travel and discovering new experiences. I make it a goal to go hiking nearly every weekend and to try something new each month. This month, I had the incredible opportunity to see dolphins and explore marine life up close. Alongside my love for the outdoors, I also have a strong appreciation for the arts, whether visiting galleries, exploring street art, or creating my own work when inspired.
Did you have any college experience before attending your Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp? Why did you decide to apply?
Before joining the STEM all-women cohort at Yale University, I earned my associate’s degree in health and fitness. I applied to Warrior-Scholar Project because I took a seminar at my community college, and they talked about the benefits of attending a WSP academic boot camp.
Also, I will be starting my nursing program this fall, and I wanted advice on how to study better and become a better student. I look forward to utilizing what I learned at Yale to improve my study habits, stay organized, and become a more effective and successful student.
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 felt excited and eager to learn. My confidence did shift throughout, but my fellows (student veterans who serve as peer mentors to each cohort) reached out a lot and tried their best to make me feel comfortable. I truly appreciated the fellows from my group because I leaned on them heavily, and they made this difficult situation an easier one. They were extremely supportive and receptive.
What are some of the key takeaways from your boot camp experience? Is there one thing that stood out to you?
The lessons I took away were to utilize as many tools as possible to help you succeed, not be afraid to ask for help, and build your community/clan.
The thing that stuck with me the most is knowing that I can do the things I feel are unattainable. There were so many veterans at Yale and they made me feel like I could go to an IVY League School as long as I apply myself and push myself to do better.
How would you describe your overall experience?
It was an incredible experience. My fellows were welcoming and supportive, and the instructors were engaging and inspiring. Overall, the program exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend it to anyone currently in college or considering pursuing higher education.