Transitioning from a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to a college campus might seem like a dramatic shift, but for Kaela Hunter, it’s a long-anticipated step toward a new chapter. After six demanding years in the U.S. Navy, Hunter is now navigating life as a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her journey from serving as a nuclear electrician aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan to studying neuroscience in pursuit of a biomedical engineering degree speaks volumes about resilience, adaptability, and purpose. Her story shines a light on the growing number of veterans making the leap from military service to higher education—each bringing a unique depth of experience into the classroom.

Hunter’s current challenges—mastering calculus, adjusting to Spanish 101, and finding her rhythm in campus life—are familiar to many college students. But they pale in comparison to the intense demands of her former role in the Navy. As a nuclear electrician, she operated turbine and diesel generators and performed critical maintenance on equipment tied to the ship’s nuclear reactor. Days often blurred into nights, with sleep sometimes limited to just a few hours. The author notes that perseverance, a trait Hunter identifies as essential, was forged in those high-pressure environments and continues to guide her today.

What I found striking was how Hunter’s decision to enlist stemmed from both ambition and necessity. After earning admission to Georgia Tech out of high school, she faced financial obstacles that made attendance impossible. A recruiter’s suggestion to pursue active duty opened a new path—one that promised free college after service. Although her mother expressed concern, Hunter saw opportunity. “Six years and then free college,” she reasoned. That pragmatic outlook would serve her well through the challenges to come.

Once in the Navy, Hunter quickly adapted, despite having no prior background in electric theory. Her technical training and real-world experience not only gave her a new skill set but also confirmed that her long-term goals lay elsewhere. She never lost sight of her desire to attend college, and when the time came to apply, UNC-Chapel Hill stood out. The university’s culture and its biomedical engineering program offered an ideal blend of her interests in engineering and the medical field. She is currently a neuroscience major, with plans to apply to the biomedical engineering program.

Hunter was drawn to Carolina not just for academics, but for the community. “I hear very good things about how accepting the culture is here,” she said, noting that inclusivity was something she valued deeply during her time in the Navy. That sense of belonging, both in service and in school, has been a consistent thread through her journey.

Although she’s nearly a year removed from active duty, Hunter admits that she doesn’t feel entirely detached from her military life. The Navy shaped her identity in profound ways, from instilling discipline to fostering deep friendships. “They are genuinely the greatest thing I gained from the military,” she shared, referring to the fellow sailors she met along the way. The skills she developed—teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience—continue to serve her well in both her studies and her current job as a critical facilities technician in Raleigh.

Looking ahead, Hunter is keeping her career options open within the field of biomedical engineering. She’s intrigued by potential roles in prosthetics or research involving stem cells and genomes. “Anything in a lab, that’d be cool,” she said. Her curiosity and openness to exploration reflect a mindset shaped by experience and bolstered by education.

Hunter’s story underscores the value of veteran students on college campuses. They bring maturity, focus, and a unique perspective that enriches the academic environment. For her, the transition from military to student life hasn’t been without its hurdles, but it’s a path she’s embraced with determination. As she continues to build a new future in Chapel Hill, her journey stands as a powerful example of how service and scholarship can intersect to create meaningful change.

Read more at unc.edu