Student Spotlight: Woodey Maynard, USMC
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Woodey Maynard, and I am from Springfield, TN. I decided to join the Marine Corps and serve as a ground radio repairman because I knew I wanted to commit to something and see it through. I did not know what I wanted to be when I graduated from high school, and I did not see college as an option. I saw the military as an opportunity to take me out of my current environment and force me to grow.
An interesting fact about myself is that I find questions like the one you asked in this questionnaire—What’s a fun, interesting, or unique fact about yourself?— the most difficult to answer. I’m sure that has something to do with my underlying beliefs about myself, but I would say I love teaching and mentoring others.
Did you have any college experience before attending your Warrior-Scholar Project boot camp? Why did you decide to apply?
Before attending the Wesleyan University STEM academic boot camp, I earned an Associate of Science degree in general studies from National University. I am starting at CSU Chico for biochemistry in Fall 2025 and decided to participate in Warrior-Scholar Project for many reasons, particularly to meet and network with other veterans who are going through or have gone through a similar period in their transition. I also aimed to garner tools to take forward into my academic journey.
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. It was similar to the first day of military boot camp in the sense that I knew I had signed up for something difficult, but I was ready to give it my all. There was a shift in a portion of my confidence, primarily on the networking side of the house. In this short period of time, I felt like I was able to make genuine connections with people, and I am more confident that I will be able to open up many doors through networking in college.
What are some of the key takeaways from your boot camp experience? Is there one thing that stood out to you?
I know that where I am is for a reason, and that reason is the effort I put in and what I have accomplished. In the same breath, I also have to have humility and embrace difficult things, as this is where growth occurs. However, the most important thing I learned is the WSP Mindset. I, too, am guilty of adopting a fixed mindset far too frequently. If I had carried that with me into this boot camp, I would have struggled mentally. Instead, I realized I need a lot of work on STEM-related subjects, which is okay. It does not mean I am inherently “bad” at STEM.
How would you describe your overall experience?
This was, without a doubt, the most challenging week of my life in terms of academics. However, with that challenge came an immense amount of growth and confidence in my ability to succeed in college. I was skeptical of a week-long program having such a profound impact on my life, but I was met with a great surprise. I have already recommended Warrior-Scholar Project to every active-duty service member and veteran I have encountered since completing this program.
Do you have any parting words?
If anyone is considering WSP but is on the fence, just do it—you will not regret it. If you give this program your all, you will grow as a person in more ways than you would ever expect.