Jessie Echaury has his sights set on a new mission. After serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan in 2016, the Cal State Fullerton student is motivated by a strong desire to give back to the veteran community.
“I envision myself helping veterans, particularly those dealing with substance abuse issues,” said Echaury, a human services major. “My goal is to advocate for comprehensive support services tailored to veterans, including counseling and rehabilitation programs. By working in collaboration with veteran organizations and community resources, I aim to create a supportive network that promotes recovery and resilience.”
Echaury’s journey from military service to higher education was not easy. Like many veterans, he struggled to adjust to civilian life after serving in the army.
“I struggled to adapt to the academic environment, feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to navigate the demands of college coursework,” said Echaury.
He began his educational journey at Santiago Canyon College before transferring to CSUF, where he found support through the Veterans Resource Center.
“I transferred to CSUF because I was drawn by its vibrant community and resources for veterans,” said Echaury. “The Veterans Resource Center provided me with guidance and access to resources that helped me succeed academically. Connecting with fellow student veterans also created a sense of camaraderie and motivation.”
As president of the Student Veterans of America chapter at CSUF, Echaury organizes social events and service projects to strengthen connections among veterans and increase awareness of their contributions on campus.
Looking to the future, Echaury plans to continue his education by pursuing his master’s degree in social work from CSUF. He remains focused on addressing the unique mental health and substance abuse challenges that veterans face.
“Ultimately, I would see my role as not just a social worker but as an advocate for the veteran community,” said Echaury. “I want to help break the stigma surrounding substance abuse and ensure that our heroes receive the understanding and support they deserve.”
Veterans Resource Center Addresses Unique Needs of Student Veterans
For student veterans like Echaury, CSUF’s Veterans Resource Center serves as a beacon of support as they transition from military service to academic life. The Peer Advisors for Veteran Education program addresses the unique needs of veterans through peer support.
Alex Ortega, assistant director of the VRC, explains that PAVE pairs new student veterans with student veterans who have been on campus for a semester or two to ease concerns about navigating higher education.
The VRC also offers workshops throughout the semester that cover such topics as financial wellness, time management and stress management. For many veterans, this extra support is pivotal as they pursue academic, personal and professional goals.
The center provides individualized academic counseling, helping student veterans maximize their educational benefits and strategize for academic success. Additionally, the VRC connects veterans to mental health resources, addressing the specific emotional and psychological challenges that can arise from transitioning into civilian and academic environments.
“Student veterans face several unique challenges in higher education, and the CSUF VRC plays a crucial role in addressing these to support student success,” said Ortega. “By organizing events and providing peer support, CSUF’s VRC helps veterans build lifelong relationships and create a sense of belonging.”