Onwards and upwards: Marine Corps veteran Elizabeth Preayer shares experience in ASU TRIO’s Veterans Upward Bound Program
After leaving the Marine Corps in 2018, veteran Elizabeth Preayer sought to connect with her community. In the process, she took her future and education into her own hands.
As an Arizona State University alum, Preayer earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work. Since graduating, Preayer has begun taking the license tests for her LMSW, “a professional license that enables qualified individuals to practice social work.”
Preayer’s educational journey began when she first heard about the ASU TRIO Veterans Upward Bound Program at a VA Clinic in Downtown Phoenix with her grandfather. Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a free program that assists low-income or first-generation veterans in "improving their academic skills and transitioning to the college of their choice.”
“I was working on some paperwork in the hallway when a woman approached me,” Preayer said. “She asked me if I wanted to go back to school. That was when I first heard about Veterans Upward Bound.”
Preayer qualified for the program and began prioritizing her academic growth by earning her associate’s degree at Phoenix College.
“I'm a first-generation college student, and I was the first female to join the military within my immediate family,” Preayer said. “I’ve had to pave my own road, and I can confidently call VUB an integral part of my beginning.”
When asked what motivated her to take the leap of faith in pursuing higher education, Preayer spoke about the impactful conversations she had with fellow veterans.
“If it weren’t for the veterans I met at VUB and the veterans I had at home planting seeds in my ear, I wouldn’t have had the same amount of motivation,” Preayer said. “It made me want to try hard, and that's how I got to where I am today.”
After completing the program, Preayer joined Veterans Upward Bound as an employee while pursuing her degrees at ASU.
“I wanted to give back what I was given,” Preayer said. “When I got out of the Marine Corps, I was going through a lot of personal changes. I was very grateful for my VUB experience, so I wanted to continue that for other veterans.”
During her time with Veterans Upward Bound, Preayer engaged with numerous prospective students, each facing unique challenges.
“One thing that I took note of was the many health issues that veterans face when trying to live post-military life,” Preayer said.
According to Preayer, Veterans Upward Bound consistently goes above and beyond in addressing the struggles their veteran students may face.
She shared the story of a veteran who, after retiring from service and battling leukemia, was struggling with aphasia. As an employee, Preayer and her coworkers would make the time to speak with the veteran whenever possible.
“Talking and creating community was a really huge deal for him,” Preayer said. “It is important to acknowledge that VUB provides the tutoring, the classes, and the school supplies veterans need, but I feel one very invaluable thing that they provide is community.”
Not only did the Veterans Upward Bound program allow Preayer to pursue higher education, but it also helped her to establish her own connections with other veterans.
“One of the most meaningful connections I made was with my coworker Kevin Brown,” Preayer said. “Meeting another Marine and joining school at the same time helped me adjust. We both went from students to employees of the program together.
“Veterans Upward Bound was a great place to foster that kind of connection. Connections like that kept me engaged and active in the program.”
To inspire fellow veterans considering higher education, Preayer shared a saying from her Marine Corps days.
“You have to continue embracing the suck,” Preayer said. “‘Embracing the suck’ means taking on what you need to so that you can accomplish the mission. VUB makes it possible to continue to challenge yourself with other veterans on your side.”