Month of Heroes: Norberto Perez

Meet Norberto Perez.

Age: 27

Year and major: Junior/History

Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C.

Branch/Rank: Army/SSG

Service: 7 years, Afghanistan (07-08), Korea (09-10)

Tell us about your service experience. While serving overseas both in combat and garrisoned environments, my desire to learn from the people, their language, culture and insights expanded my view of the world as a whole. From combat to humanitarian missions, it added a new form of resolve to my inner self.

What are some of your memorable experiences in college? It’s usually when fellow students find out I’m a veteran, assuming that I was a typical freshman. I had a world history teacher surprised when I explained to her that I was not in Afghanistan as a transfer student and was in the Army, after sharing my knowledge of the region from both my past experiences and research.

Any favorite classes? The history classes. As a history major, I love to learn about the all the different regions, their people and their motivations.

Tell us about JU’s role in your transition to civilian life. JU helped tremendously. I want to thank Online Nursing Advisor Julia Van Arsdale for assisting from the beginning to transition from active duty to college life.

What sets JU apart? JU is very veteran-oriented for those seeking a quality education, as I was. It has a separate VA office to help address any issues or concerns. Other universities I’ve applied to were nowhere near as helpful.

What might surprise others about you? I’m a triplet, with a brother in the Air Force. I have been mistaken many times for him, and vice versa.

Meet the other students we’re recognizing during the Month of Heroes, learn more about our military students and alumni here on Wave Magazine, or visit the Veterans and Military Resource Center online to learn how JU serves those who’ve served.