After leaving the Army, Andrey Mazuera enrolled at Old Dominion University (ODU) to pursue a degree in exercise science. Only a few semesters into his degree, the COVID-19 pandemic hit which led Andrey to put his education on hold. With many of the closures during the pandemic, he began rethinking his desire to pursue exercise science, and, unsure of his career path and seeking job security, he decided to re-enlist in the U.S. Army. “When COVID hit, I left school because I wasn’t 100% sure what exactly I wanted to study,” Andrey said. Re-enlisting gave him the stability he needed during such an unpredictable time.
Andrey’s military service was a pivotal period in his life, offering structure and financial security, but his journey took another turn when he was injured and subsequently medically retired from the Army. Andrey began thinking seriously about returning to school and starting fresh. “I knew I always wanted to go back to school at some point or another,” he explained. With his time in the military offering newfound clarity about his career path, he set his sights on pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. He knew completing his degree was crucial for his future career prospects and his ultimate goal of working with Homeland Security to help target traffickers.
Returning to school, however, was not a decision Andrey made lightly. He was aware of the challenges ahead, from the re-enrollment process to balancing academic responsibilities with his personal life—all while moving across the country from Texas to Virginia. Despite these challenges, he was determined to achieve his educational goals.
Expediting re-enrollment
Andrey’s journey back to ODU began with a message from a ReUp Success Coach. Unsure of the process and what steps to take, Andrey reached out for help. “My Success Coach made sure I was taken care of. It took away a lot of the stress of figuring out what I needed to do to get back into school,” he said.
His Success Coach did more than just point him in the right direction. They provided practical assistance, in the form of actionable steps, links, phone numbers, and contacts so Andrey could re-enroll as quickly as possible. The support didn’t stop after he re-enrolled–his Success Coach also helped him adjust to the demands of academic life. “My Success Coach helped expedite the process to get myself back in classes, making the transition a lot smoother, ” Andrey said. “The most valuable advice I was given was just to take that step. Don’t wait until it’s super easy to sign up for classes.” This encouragement inspired him to take those first steps towards his goals.
After re-enrolling, Andrey had to learn how to balance his coursework with a demanding schedule while dealing with the complexities of moving across the country during the first week of class. “The biggest challenge was adjusting to a different time zone and balancing work with school, but I made it work,” he explained. The support from his ReUp Success Coach was instrumental in helping him settle into his studies and maintain his focus.
“It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. The journey might be tough, but the outcome is always worth it.”
— Andrey Mazuera
The importance of personalized support
ReUp’s holistic approach to support ensured that Andrey’s unique needs were addressed. From providing detailed information on the re-enrollment process to offering consistent encouragement, Andrey’s transition back to ODU was smoother than he anticipated because of the tailored guidance he received from ReUp, alleviating much of the stress and anxiety associated with returning to school.
Andrey’s experience highlights the importance of perseverance and seeking support when needed. Having a dedicated support system was crucial on his journey back to ODU. “Just take that step and jump in,” he said. “ There’s always going to be things happening, but going back to school and getting closer to that degree is something you’ll never regret.”
Just take that step and jump in. There's always going to be things happening, but going back to school and getting closer to that degree is something you'll never regret.
With his sights set on a career in Homeland Security, Andrey is not just pursuing a degree–he is working towards making a positive impact on society: “It’s never too late to go back to school. Getting that degree will always be something you can be proud of.”
