Many people who don’t finish college on their first shot usually never go back, but for Christopher Kennedy, his return and graduation has been a long time coming. After six different schools and 16 years since he attended his first college course, Kennedy will be graduating from UNM with honors at the age of 34.
Right out of high school, Kennedy first attended the Coast Guard Academy and for several years studied at many other military schools and community colleges. He said he had a job while he was going to school, but when it was too much and his life wasn’t going in the right direction, he decided joining the U.S. Air Force was his best chance at a better future.
After nine years in the Air Force, Kennedy is more than grateful to be home and studying at UNM, with aid from the GI Bill, and about to receive his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in organizational leadership and communication.
When he was stationed for the last time here in New Mexico more than two years ago, he was finally able to settle down. That was also when he decided to join the U.S. Air National Guard.
“Now that I’ve had a stable platform” Kennedy said, “I was lucky enough to go to school... I like school, I like learning, and especially liberal arts because it is like a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure.’”
Since he enlisted in the Air National Guard his responsibilities haven’t changed much, but now that he is graduating the opportunities are beginning to show themselves. Kennedy recently interviewed to be an officer with the Air National Guard, which requires the degree that he will be receiving.
He said that even if that doesn’t work out he’s still optimistic; after a much needed break he said graduate school will be the next step.
Even though it has taken him much longer than the average student to finish college he has learned crucial career skills and gained an overall better ability to focus.
“I wouldn’t change anything because everything happens for a reason and I’m happy to be graduating as a Lobo,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said he is motivated to take classes that he knows he can enjoy and apply to his everyday life.
“I’m not the oldest one in the class so that’s not too bad,” he said. “It’s kind of neat being older and seeing all the young students too.”
Savanna Molina is a culture reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com
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