Ben Clark - From Machine-Gunner to U Michigan
Tell us about yourself, Ben!
Hometown: McArthur, Ohio
What is your anticipated school and intended major? Psychology at the University of Michigan, Class of 2027
Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a classically-trained French chef
What did you do in the military? Data Systems Administrator, Machine-gunner
What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? During a deployment in 2018 I implemented a ground-to-air communications link that allowed for direct communication with helicopters during the execution of clandestine missions OCONUS. I also worked in conjunction with Pentagon liaisons to facilitate a multi-organizational communications platform upon which NATO coalition forces could safely communicate.
What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? Service to School put me in touch with veteran admissions representatives at countless top-tier schools. It is because of these conversations that I was able to get in contact with veteran students at these institutions, many of whom offered me additional assistance with my admissions essays, interview preparations, etc. I am confident that my veteran connections at these schools, facilitated through Service to School, were the driving force behind my acceptance to the University of Michigan.
What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I am incredibly fortunate to have received a generous financial aid package from the University of Michigan. This will allow me to save my remaining GI benefits for medical school following my undergrad education, and I am beyond excited to be joining the active veteran's community aboard this college's campus. Furthermore, I will finally be able to pursue my dream of performing mental health research within this institution's renowned research facilities, which will further bolster my future medical school application.
What are your goals post-graduation? Upon graduating from the University of Michigan, I intend to apply to medical school with the goal of one day becoming a psychiatrist. From there I am looking forward to working closely with people suffering from trauma-related psychogenic disorders, and I am particularly concerned with destigmatizing mental healing within the veteran community.
Ben’s advice for veterans who are applying to college:
If you are seeking to better yourself through higher education, it is unequivocally in your best interest to reach out to Service to School to aide you in the process. They will provide you with the connections, the mentorship, the support, and the confidence to pursue goals way higher than you may have ever imagined, and they will further help you to recognize and communicate the extensive value you bring to the table as a veteran applicant.
I would have never considered applying to the colleges I have since been accepted at were it not for the peer-to-peer mentorship provided through Service to School. My S2S ambassador was an invaluable resource who helped me consider the deeper meaning behind many of the application essay prompts, and it is because of this mentorship that I was able to concisely transfer my experiences and aspirations into impactful, effective essays.
Congrats again Ben on your acceptance to the University of Michigan!
