Suzanne is no stranger to intense environments and complex challenges. After serving in the Marine Corps and working at NATO, she reached a pivotal point in her career where she felt the need to step back, reflect, and expand her horizons. Seeking a deeper understanding of the complex political and international landscapes she had been navigating, Suzanne made the bold decision to quit her job and pursue a new path. Her destination? The New School in New York City.

Suzanne’s journey to The New School began unexpectedly during her time at NATO. “I was looking to quit my job and go back to school,” she recalls. It was during this transition that a visit from a senior advisor for the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, Alex Bell, who had earned her master’s degree in international affairs from The New School, piqued Suzanne’s interest. “I had never heard of anybody attending The New School,” she says. This discovery prompted Suzanne to research the university, and she quickly found herself drawn to its alternative, liberal approach to education.

One of the most significant aspects of Suzanne’s experience at The New School has been the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals who share her commitment to making a difference. The university’s open culture and dedication to social justice resonated deeply with Suzanne’s values. “I want to go into progressive organizations that fight for social justice, organizations that are more active and on the ground, working with humanitarian law,” she explains. “After working at NATO, and after learning so much here with all the courses I’ve taken, I’m convinced that this is what I want to do.”

However, Suzanne acknowledges that bridging the gap between her military background and the often liberal environment of The New School has not always been easy. She notes that the veteran community sometimes struggles to find connection and understanding in civilian spaces. “Being a veteran, it’s like if you’re in the room with another veteran, you just get it,” she says. Despite these challenges, Suzanne has found support among her professors and peers, who have encouraged her to embrace her unique perspective, “the professors really care. You find people that really care about you and listen to you.”

Suzanne recalls a pivotal moment early in her time at The New School when the head of the International Affairs department personally reached out to offer her an internship opportunity that seemed out of reach. “He flagged an opportunity for me that I thought was not possible,” she says. “But he said, ‘No, no, no, I’m in charge of this. You can do it.’” This encouragement and mentorship exemplify the kind of supportive environment Suzanne has found at The New School—one where people are invested in her success and eager to help her achieve her goals.

Reflecting on her journey, Suzanne sees her time at The New School as an essential step toward her future. “I was looking to expand my knowledge in an area that I knew nothing about,” she says. Surrounded by experts, a diverse student body and thought leaders, Suzanne has gained the confidence and skills needed to advocate for change. Whether working within NGOs, think tanks, or grassroots organizations, Suzanne is determined to use her education to challenge old established systems and make a positive impact.

Suzanne’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter how unconventional the path may seem. Her journey from Marine Corps veteran to student at The New School underscores the transformative potential of education and the profound impact that one person’s commitment to learning can have on the world.