NMCP Hosts Education Fair
PORTSMOUTH, VA, UNITED STATES
Story by Seaman Imani Daniels
Naval Medical Center – Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Dec. 10, 2019) Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) teamed up with the Navy College Office and hosted an Education Fair on Dec. 10. This opportunity allowed NMCP staff members to talk one-on-one with representatives from 25 colleges nationwide.
“It’s incredibly important that Sailors and their dependents attend these education fairs,” said Darren Raybourne, Hampton University military student counselor. “We want them to take advantage of their earned education benefits. Education is important. Therefore with the GI Bill and tuition assistance, Sailors are afforded the opportunity to receive free education.”
Among the 25 colleges were Norfolk State University, Hampton University, Trident University International and University of Maryland University College (UMUC) just to name a few. Each college representative set up their own table with information pamphlets, conducted interviews and offered assistance in filling out college applications.
“One of the most important things that a Sailor can invest in is their education,” said Emanuel Sepulveda, retired chief and Trident University International regional manager. “One day we all have to take off our uniforms and get our educations. The importance of getting our education with the background of the military is that it can boost us up in life because now we have work experience and the education itself.”
Sailors come from different backgrounds, have different upbringings, histories and reasons for joining the Navy. Some join out of high school while others attend college first. This education fair helped each Sailor in their own unique way.
“It’s important for Sailors like myself to be able to attend college fairs,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Theodore Sisson. “A lot of us don’t get the opportunity to go and explore educational prospects outside of work. It helps to be able to take time out our day to speak with colleges about our future.”
For Sailors, earning a degree is a way to improve their knowledge for their profession.
As the U.S. Navy’s oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-of-the-art medical center, along with the area’s 10 branch health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.
