Out of the Ranks, And Into the Classroom
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Harvard University has seen a rise in veteran students, with 78 enrolled in 2024, up from 8 in 2018. Veterans like Edward J. 'Ed' Somuk and Aaron Rosales balance family life and academic responsibilities.
Harvard University is witnessing a significant increase in the number of veteran students. In 2018, there were just eight veterans enrolled as undergraduates, but by 2024, that number had risen to 78. Edward J. 'Ed' Somuk, a Marine Corps veteran, is one such student. He balances his studies with family life, waking up at 6:15 a.m. to get his three kids ready for school. Somuk drives 20 minutes to drop off two of his kids and then another 30 minutes to Cambridge for his classes. After returning home, he manages his readings and takes care of his children, often staying up late. Somuk credits the Marine Corps for teaching him to function on little sleep. He has also formed close bonds with his peers, despite being significantly older. Another veteran student, Aaron Rosales, also balances fatherhood and college life. He initially found it challenging to live in university dorms with much younger students. However, he has found the university to be more accommodating of veterans' needs over time. Rosales involves his daughter in his academic life, taking her to at least one of his classes each year to inspire her to pursue her goals.
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