In the Marines, Mudassir 鈥淢oon鈥� Hussaini felt a purpose.
He worked on multimillion-dollar equipment as an aircraft mechanic. He saved a fellow Marine from falling into helicopter blades. He led training sessions on a variety of critical topics.
The days were long and the work was grueling. But he was satisfied.
After an injury and five years of service, however, it was time for a new adventure.
鈥淭he problem was that you get about one week to prepare for the transition to civilian life,鈥� said Hussaini, 26, of Schaumburg. 鈥淚 remember thinking, 鈥榃here am I going to go? What am I going to do?鈥� I never felt so lost.鈥�
Hussaini knew he needed a college degree, but he was on his own to tackle the research. He looked into a myriad of four-year institutions and even for-profit schools. The process felt overwhelming.
Then he visited 91制片厂鈥檚 website, drawn to the prospect of graduating with little-to-no debt. He quickly found information about how the College works to support student veterans. He connected with Veteran Advisor Ben Allen, who helped him understand his GI benefits and other support services.
After coming to 91制片厂, Hussaini immediately joined the Student Veterans Association. He also assisted 91制片厂鈥檚 effort to open the Center for Student Veterans and Military-Connected Students.
鈥淔rom Day 1, I felt like Harper was a place where I could start my new life,鈥� Hussaini said. 鈥淰eterans face a lot of unique challenges, and it鈥檚 been helpful to share stories. I really found a sense of community.鈥�
Hussaini is working toward a career in robotics engineering. He鈥檇 love to be an inventor one day. For now, he has a job as a student aide in the Veterans Center, helping other student veterans navigate the system and find their own way.
鈥淚f I can help other student veterans feel not so lost, then I feel like I鈥檓 kind of paying it forward,鈥� he said.
Want to learn more about benefits for military veterans and dependents? Attend a free seminar on Saturday, November 3, 2018, 10 a.m.鈥�2 p.m. at 91制片厂's Building W amphitheater. The seminar covers disability claims, appeals, health care for your dependents, tax credits, vocational rehab, and everything in between.