Recent graduate, Kristin King has service in her blood. Her grandfather served in the U.S. Army and her uncle in the U.S. Air Force. Feeling the call to serve, Kristin enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. The first airplane trip of her life was to go to basic training in South Carolina. Kristin was deployed to Iraq, where she managed property and supplies in the service of the American war effort.
At first, the transition to college life was challenging. The freedom and self-direction of a student was a far cry from the rigid structure experienced by a soldier. Kristin was also several years older than most of her peers in the classroom, creating a further sense of distance. But Kristin doesn’t give up.
She sought out other student veterans on campus, and immediately recognized the potential support system that could be fostered. She helped formalize this network by serving as president of the Student Veterans Organization and seeing the creation of a veterans center in Thompson Hall. The center continues to provide a safe and supportive environment for students navigating the same transitions Kristin faced.
Kristin balanced her advocacy efforts with a full load of classes in early childhood education, and practicums in local public and private schools as well as at Sacred Heart preschool where she currently works with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Kristin hopes in the near future to go back to get her masters in a licensure program to teach early childhood preferably kindergarten or special education.
Kristin embodies the highest values of service, to her community and her country. Her contributions to Fitchburg State will endure by supporting student veterans for years to come, and her example is an inspiration to all of us. As she embarks on her career as a teacher we wish her all the best.
If you're interested in finding out more about our Early Education and Care (BSE) program email one of our advisors to get all your questions answered. Or if you're thinking of going on to grad school, attend our February Graduate Fair.
