A mother of two and an Army veteran, Eveey Augustin was initially apprehensive about returning to college.

Augustin, 30, previously went to school to study nursing and worked in the field before enlisting in the military. She came to San Diego City College at the encouragement of her sister, Student Services Technician Edwidge Dupard.

“(By my) fourth semester, I’m like, I’m not stopping now,”said Augustin, who will be continuing her studies as a sociology major at National University. “I’m going straight for my bachelor’s (degree).”

Augustin was among the graduates honored at San Diego City College’s Veterans Graduation May 14. 

The communication major and her family were among the approximately 65 attendees, including students, families, faculty and City College counselors.

Augustin, who will open her own daycare later this summer, was among 30 military-affiliated students honored with veterans’ sashes at the celebration, including six Federal Work-Study Program students. 

“(The FWS students) that we have this (year), they’re amazing,” said Director of Enrollment Services Dora Meza during her congratulatory remarks. “I mean, they love their job.”

Valeriya Zinchuk, 24, was among the FWS students honored. She will be earning her associate degree in business marketing after the summer and has plans to continue her education with the goal of opening her own restaurant. 

Zinchuk has not finalized her immediate education plans. She’s decided to go at her own pace. 

“Life in the military is very chaotic,” the Navy veteran said. “I just want peace.” 

The celebration, hosted by Veterans Student Services included live music by DJ Birdy Bird, food from Phil’s BBQ and a photo booth.

Kevin Dufel, who graduated with an associate degree in cybersecurity attended with his wife Jesenia, who serves in the Navy, and their children. Dufel arrived at City College intending to work in cybersecurity before the bachelor’s program was announced. 

Now, Dufel has been accepted to the bachelor’s program and will be among the first to receive a bachelor’s degree at City. 

“It was a freak accident that they added the bachelor’s program,” he said. “It made (pursuing a cybersecurity degree) really convenient.”

Veterans counselor Jacqueline Willett said she felt proud of all the veteran students advancing in their academic careers. 

“It’s so rewarding to see all their hard work come to (fruition),” she said.