Interview with Steven Thompson, July 25, 2017

Partial Transcript: What was happening in 2010 that made you want to join the military?

Segment Synopsis: Thompson describes his motivations for joining the military and his occupation as a Religious Affairs Specialist. He discusses the differences in his job at home and overseas, noting the differences in intensity and level of responsibility.

Keywords: Army National Guard; Chaplain Assistant; Kandahar

Partial Transcript: Are you planning on staying in the Alabama National Guard?

Segment Synopsis: Thompson discusses his deployment to Afghanistan and his reasons for eventually leaving the military. He describes the differences between civilian life and active duty.

Keywords: Deployment; Helmand Province

Partial Transcript: When you came to UGA was this always the plan? How did you end up here?

Segment Synopsis: Thompson discusses attending a technical school before transferring to the University of Georgia. He describes the role educational benefits from the military played into his decision to transfer.

Keywords: University of West Georgia; computer science; cyber security

Partial Transcript: National security, computers, what's the long term goal here? What's your end game?

Segment Synopsis: Thompson describes his goals of working in cybersecurity and being a government defensive hacker. He also discusses his decision to return to pursue a university degree, and he describes his experiences at the Student Veterans Resource Center.

Keywords: Montgomery GI Bill

Partial Transcript: What lessons learned do you think you could offer service members currently on active duty and considering going to college?

Segment Synopsis: Thompson recommends that veterans be patient when applying to schools and they they learn about their benefits eligibility. He also describes life as a student veteran on UGA's campus.

Keywords: University of Georgia; active duty

Partial Transcript: Let's walk out the next steps for you. When are you graduating? Is there a graduate program that you're looking into to make this happen? What's your plan?

Segment Synopsis: Thompson discusses future plans for graduate school. He concludes with sharing some final thoughts.

Keywords: computer science