Meet Nevardo Cayemitte.
Age: 27
Year and major: Senior/International Business
Home country: Haiti
Branch/Rank: U.S. Army, SPC
Service: 4 years, Iraq, twice
Tell us about your service experience. After high school I wanted to do something adventurous, so I joined the Army. My challenges included being away from family, and adapting to a new family. Others included back-to-back deployments, stop loss, firefights and more. But, all those challenges made me the type of person I am today.
What are some of your memorable experiences in college? The National Conference in Orlando. I got to meet with veterans from all around the country, from different branches and with different expertise. I got to establish a different type of network.
Tell us about JU’s role in your transition to civilian life. At age 25, when I decided to go back to school, I thought it was too late. But JU has wonderful VA staff who go to the limit to help you and make sure you have an education and blend in to civilian life.
What sets JU apart? It’s a small school that is continuously growing. The small classes are what set JU apart. For instance, I can go see my professors, even the ones who are not mine, at any time of their office hours, or even while just seeing them walking by. They take the time to see you and make sure you are being guided in the right direction. For veterans, the school always makes sure we have the best education we can possibly get.
What might surprise others about you? Though I usually take a lot of classes and work part-time, as busy as I am, I still find time to participate in extracurricular activities the school has to offer. For instance, when many folks see me, they automatically think I’m a football player for the school, but I’m not. I tell them I’m in the JU men’s choir, and they always seem to be surprised. I’m also an alumni and ambassador for the Study Abroad program at JU.
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.