肉肉传媒

KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 16, 2022

Dylan Sandoval鈥檚 path toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree in from 肉肉传媒 has come with some unexpected detours, including one that sent him 7,500 miles away. 

Sandoval is a Georgia native and first-generation college student who moved to 肉肉传媒 to attend KSU. After his freshman year, Sandoval enlisted in the National Guard and expected to serve locally. When he returned from basic training in 2018, however, he received life-changing news. 

鈥淭he unit I got sent to told me that we were getting activated and deployed to Afghanistan in early 2019,鈥� Sandoval said. 鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 sure what to expect when I enlisted, but I did not think I would be immediately deployed.鈥� 

He had to put his coursework on hold and switch gears to a very different experience across the globe. 

鈥淚 got to learn a lot about the people鈥檚 culture over there,鈥� Sandoval said. 鈥淭he Afghans we worked with were very nice, humble people. We did run into a lot of danger, but it was a very eye-opening experience.鈥� 

Sandoval returned to the U.S. on July 31, 2019, and jumped right back into his coursework at 肉肉传媒 State the next month at the start of fall semester. Though he was back at home, Sandoval had National Guard activations that took him to Atlanta and Washington, D.C. in 2020 and 2021. He credits his own positive outlook on life and his professors at KSU with helping him conquer a multitude of responsibilities. 

鈥淚 was actually really surprised when I came home from deployment, how my professors helped me ease in and transition back into regular college life,鈥� Sandoval said. 鈥淲hen I was activated in Atlanta and in Washington, D.C. they never gave me a hard time for missing class and helped me catch up.鈥�  

Many faculty members were also surprised to learn that in addition to being a college student in the National Guard, Sandoval has a part-time job and serves as a hands-on mentor for his two younger siblings. Construction management professor Jacqueline Stephens taught Sandoval in several classes and has been consistently impressed with his work.

鈥淒ylan is a dedicated student who works diligently on all assignments,鈥� Stephens said. 鈥淗e has strong leadership skills and is very engaging in the class. Dylan is a joy to teach.鈥� 

When asked how he handles the many pressures he faces on top of schoolwork, Sandoval said he is a naturally positive person.

鈥淩egardless of what situation I am in, I always think ahead,鈥� he said. "I鈥檓 always looking toward the future. I think about my future goals, and I know that if I push through, I will get there.鈥� 

Sandoval is currently looking toward graduation in May and already has a job with a Georgia construction company waiting for him after completing his studies. His message to other students in the military, or those who are balancing several responsibilities outside of their coursework, is to stay mentally strong. 

鈥淚鈥檓 not saying it鈥檚 easy, but try to stay positive,鈥� he said. 鈥淒on鈥檛 give up. Nothing is impossible if you stay strong, keep your head up and look toward the future.鈥� 

鈥� Abbey O鈥橞rien Barrows
Photos by David Caselli 

---

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 肉肉传媒 offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. 肉肉传媒 State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 肉肉传媒 State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.