For Navy veteran
Edward Clark, returning to college isn't just about earning a degree or starting a new career. It's about showing his 8-year-old son that even when life takes an unexpected turn, it's possible to find a new purpose.
“I want my son to be proud,” Clark said.
Clark was just 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, beginning a career that took him through the Naval Nuclear Power Program and aboard the USS Carl Vinson. When his military career ended, the future he had envisioned changed. He also lost several friends during his military years, deepening his appreciation for the opportunities still ahead.
“But I realized I was still here,” Clark said.
Today, Clark is a student at MiraCosta College, pursuing a new career path in dietetics and helping fellow veterans navigate the transition to college. His goal is to help others, particularly military members and veterans, develop healthier relationships with food and wellness.
“And that's my why. I want to prove to myself, and to others, you can be resilient regardless of the situations you're put in.”
As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, Clark's journey reflects the experiences of thousands of military-connected students at MiraCosta College who are building new futures through education.
During the most recent reporting period, MiraCosta served 2,778 military-connected students, a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Of those, 830 used GI Bill® education benefits, a 21 percent increase. Approximately half of military-connected students are associated with the U.S. Marine Corps, and the average age is 31.3.
For MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lennor M. Johnson, supporting veterans is personal. Johnson served honorably for four years in the United States Marine Corps before beginning a career in higher education that has spanned more than 28 years.
“Military service teaches commitment, leadership and resilience, but transitioning to civilian life can bring unexpected challenges,” Johnson said. “As a Marine Corps veteran, I know how important it is to have a community that recognizes your experience and supports your goals. Edward's story reminds us that while military service may be one chapter of someone's life, there is tremendous opportunity in what comes next.”
Johnson became MiraCosta College's Superintendent/President in August 2026 after leading Imperial Valley College, which earned the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Throughout his career, he has championed educational access and opportunities for veterans and historically underserved students.
At MiraCosta, Clark found support through academic counseling and the Veterans Center, which helped him explore career options and connect with others who understand the challenges of transitioning from military service to college life.
As vice president of the Veterans Club, Clark now helps build that same sense of community for fellow students.
“To understand you're not alone in all this and that it's a shared experience, I guess, is the biggest part. So just not feeling isolated in all this is nice,” he said.
MiraCosta College provides military-connected students with specialized counseling, assistance navigating education benefits, and connections to campus and community resources. The college is also one of two institutions in San Diego County with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VetSuccess on Campus representative.
For Clark, the support has helped him see that changing direction doesn't mean leaving his past behind. The lessons from his military service, the connections he's made at MiraCosta, and his commitment to his family are all helping shape what comes next.
This Veterans Day, his story is a reminder that honoring military service also means investing in the opportunities that follow it.
