Tristan K.’s college journey didn’t follow a straight line, but that’s exactly what led him to where he is today.
After first enrolling at Austin Community College District (ACC) in January 2022, Tristan stepped away to join the Coast Guard. When he returned in summer 2024, his college experience looked very different. Balancing coursework while being deployed nearly half the year required options, discipline, and determination.
“I think my favorite part of ACC was the flexibility it offered me. I was deployed 50% of the year, and synchronous and asynchronous courses were my lifeline. I don’t think I would’ve gotten the same quality and flexibility from other colleges.”
Now planning his next steps, Tristan is preparing to transfer. He applied to 10 highly selective universities across the country, including Brown, Yale, Princeton, and the University of Chicago. Through veteran-focused resources like Service to School and the VetLink addendum, he was able to tell a fuller story of his experience and aspirations.
“The transfer process was definitely an experience. All in all, it was tough, but luckily, I had plenty of help along the way.”
This fall, Tristan will continue his studies at Brown University, where he plans to focus on English, plus international and public affairs. He hopes to get involved with the Watson School and contribute to research on civil conflict and democratic erosion, while staying connected to the student veteran community.
His long-term goals include pursuing an advanced degree and building a career in immigration law, public policy, and emergency management.
But for Tristan, the journey is about more than personal success—it’s about opening doors for others.
“My message is more for nontraditional/veteran students. There is a place for them in higher education, even at competitive universities. The experiences that nontraditional students bring to the classroom are extremely valuable.”
He also encourages fellow veterans to take advantage of available support systems.
“I’d encourage any veteran student at ACC to connect with Service to School and Warrior-Scholar Project. These programs helped me immensely. They gave me the confidence I needed to apply to the schools I did.”
For more information and support to transfer, visit austincc.edu/transfer.