GALLERY / PHOTO ESSAY
After six years in the military, Cynthia Toone begins a new chapter as a student at Florida International University, navigating the challenges of transition, identity, and academic life. Follow her journey through resilience, moments of uncertainty, and personal growth through these photos.
After six years in the Army, Cynthia is now part of more than 1,000 military-affiliated students enrolled at Florida International University. Nationally, more than 900,000 veterans use GI Bill benefits each year to pursue education after service.
(Source: Florida International University)
(Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
A military cap, a photo from service and VA resource brochures sit together, capturing the moment where Cynthia’s past and present meet. For many veterans, that transition is not linear. National data shows student veterans are more likely than traditional students to stop out or take breaks before completing their degree, reflecting the instability many face after service.
(Source: National Center for Education Statistics)Moving between classes, Cynthia blends into campus life as part of a growing student veteranpopulation. About 62% of veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill enroll in college after service,often entering school years after leaving the military.
(Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
For Cynthia, education represents a new path forward after military service. Student veterans are typically older than traditional college students, reflecting the years they spend in service before entering higher education.
(Source: National Center for Education Statistics)
Cynthia now spends her days studying cybersecurity, replacing the structure of military training with academic demands. Unlike the average student, nearly half of student veterans have children, balancing school with family responsibilities while working toward a degree.
(Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Outside the Counseling and Psychological Services office, Cynthia reviews mental health resources available on campus. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day. The VA also reports that about 11–20% of veterans who served after 9/11 experience post-traumatic stress in a given year.
Cynthia enjoys spending time at the FIU’s Veteran and Military Affairs office, a resource center that provides academic guidance and support. Veteran resource centers are associated with higher retention rates by helping student veterans rebuild a sense of community and camaraderie after service.
(Source: Student Veterans of America)
Meeting with an advisor, Cynthia maps out her path toward graduation using the benefits she earned through her service. While nearly one million veterans enroll in college each year, only about 47% complete a degree within six years.
(Source: American Institutes for Research)
Looking at a photograph from her time in uniform, Cynthia reflects on a chapter that continues to shape her identity. Research shows many veterans report difficulty redefining their identity after service, particularly during the transition into civilian and academic life.
(Source: Student Veterans of America)
Standing beside a U.S. Army flag, Cynthia reflects on her time in service. Veterans often cite the loss of structure and built-in support systems as one of the biggest challenges when transitioning to civilian life.
(Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
A lanyard reading “Go Army. Be All You Can Be.” connects Cynthia to her military past. Military experience often shapes how veterans approach education, with many applying discipline, time management and resilience developed during service.
(Source: National Center for Education Statistics)
After meeting with advisors and fellow veterans, Cynthia leaves with a clearer academic plan and renewed direction. At FIU, 59 student veterans graduated in Fall 2024, 47 in Spring 2025 and 33 in Summer 2025.
(Source: Florida International University)