Valencia College’s West Campus opened the doors to its new Veterans Resource Center in September, providing student veterans a place to study, relax between classes and get help from the veterans affairs team members working in nearby offices.
“This is their space,” said Denise Asselta, director of Valencia College’s Veterans Affairs team. While all students can go to the campus library or student lounges, Asselta said that many veterans are older than their classmates, and like to have a separate place where they can meet other veterans. “They prefer to come here and hang out between classes.”
The new space features upholstered benches, four computers for students to use, as well as snacks and a refrigerator and coffee station.
In addition to the support staff available in offices next door, veterans can learn about opportunities at the new resource center. A Veterans Administration representative visits the campus once a month, answering questions about health care, disability, mental health, housing, and food assistance.
The new Veterans Resource Center is located on the second floor of the Student Services Building on West Campus, in room 214B. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The new lounge is not only much bigger than the previous veterans office space, says Aramis Aramburo, a 28-year-old Navy veteran now studying engineering at Valencia. Aramburo, who’s president of the student-led Vet Connect, says the Veterans Resource Center helps veterans adapt to college life.
“Veterans ,whether or not they’ve integrated well back into society, have a different way of thinking of speaking, even when they try really hard,” he said. “Having a space where you know that other people have either had your experience, or have been around other people who have gone through your experience, it’s really nice. It’s a separate space where you can let your guard down.”
Evvi Reed, a former U.S. Marine, stopped by the new Veterans Resource Center on opening day to check it out.
“I’m starting classes soon and I wanted to get to know the campus,” she said. “Since I’ve come here, everyone has been so nice and accommodating.”