Emily Max
Norwich has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. It gave me the confidence to pursue goals that once felt out of reach, like earning my degree while serving full-time in the Coast Guard and preparing for Officer Candidate School.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I am originally from New Hampshire and currently serve active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. I am passionate about service, leadership, and being part of something bigger than myself, which led me to Norwich. My family has always been a strong support system, and I am grateful to have a loving boyfriend who constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself. I am also lucky to have friends both in and out of the military who challenge me and help me grow. In my free time, I love hiking, traveling, and being near the ocean with my friends and family. I am also an avid reader and always have a book nearby. Reading has helped me stay grounded and curious and has been a great escape during the busier parts of life. Norwich has given me the chance to connect my personal passions with professional goals in ways that truly matter to me.”
Q: “Please describe your professional experience.”
A: “I am currently serving active duty in the United States Coast Guard. I work in a command center and coordinate search and rescue operations, law enforcement cases, pollution response, and port security. I hold multiple qualifications within the command center, managing radio communications and responding to maritime incidents involving safety, security, and environmental protection. My experience has strengthened my leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills while reinforcing my commitment to public service.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “My motivation for pursuing my degree was driven by a desire to grow both personally and professionally while continuing to serve others. As a member of the Coast Guard, I have seen firsthand how critical strong leadership, clear communication, and cultural awareness are in high-stakes environments. I wanted to challenge myself academically and gain the knowledge and qualifications necessary to take on greater responsibilities. My ultimate goal is to attend Officer Candidate School and earn my commission, and earning my degree through Norwich is a key step toward achieving that. It has allowed me to align my education with my values and long-term aspirations for service and leadership within the Coast Guard.”
Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “My future professional plan is to continue serving in the United States Coast Guard and pursue a commission through Officer Candidate School. I am passionate about leadership and service, and I hope to take on roles that allow me to make a meaningful impact — whether that is through emergency response, maritime safety, or environmental protection. In addition to advancing my career within the Coast Guard, I also plan to continue my educational journey by pursuing a master’s degree. I believe that lifelong learning is essential for personal growth and professional excellence, and I want to be fully prepared to lead with knowledge, confidence, and integrity.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I first learned about Norwich in high school when the university reached out to recruit me for its Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. At the time, I was already set on joining the Coast Guard, and since there is no Coast Guard ROTC program, I chose to enlist right after graduation. However, I never forgot the impression Norwich made on me. When I later began exploring degree programs that would support my military career, Norwich immediately stood out. Norwich's strong foundation in military tradition, leadership development, and academic excellence makes it unique. Even as an online student, I felt a deep sense of connection and purpose. The faculty understands the demands of military life and provides the flexibility and support needed to succeed. Norwich's national security studies program stands out because it challenges students to grow intellectually and professionally. The rigorous and relevant coursework encourages you to apply critical thinking and leadership skills to real-world situations. Norwich respects your experience while pushing you to become a more capable, informed, and principled leader, which is precisely what I was looking for.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “At first, I did have some uncertainties about choosing an online program. I was concerned about staying engaged and whether I would receive the same level of support and academic quality as a traditional, on-campus experience. However, as an active-duty service member currently stationed in Puerto Rico, attending school in person simply was not an option for me. My schedule is demanding and often unpredictable, so I needed a program that could provide flexibility without compromising academic rigor. The deciding factor in choosing an online degree was Norwich’s strong reputation and commitment to supporting military students. I felt confident that the program would be structured in a way that understood the realities of service life, and it was. The faculty were supportive, the coursework was challenging and relevant, and I never felt disconnected despite being far from campus. Norwich proved that a high-quality, community-driven education is possible even from thousands of miles away.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “Before beginning my courses, I expected an online degree program to be mostly independent — with limited interaction, minimal feedback, and a focus on checking boxes rather than engaging with the material. I was worried that the experience might feel isolating or that I would have to navigate everything on my own. What I found at Norwich was the complete opposite. From the start, I was impressed by the faculty's responsiveness and support. They genuinely cared about student success and created a learning environment encouraging discussion, critical thinking, and personal growth. The coursework was challenging, but it was also practical and directly connected to real-world leadership and service. I appreciated how much the program emphasized not just academic achievement but personal and professional development as well. Norwich exceeded my expectations by providing structure, flexibility, and a sense of community while understanding the unique demands of military life. It felt like more than just earning a degree; it felt like becoming part of a legacy of leadership and excellence.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “The advice I would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich’s online programs is to stay disciplined and trust the process. The program is designed to challenge you, but you will never be alone in the journey. Take the time to engage with your professors and classmates — even in an online setting, those connections can make a huge difference. Also, do not be afraid to take classes outside your core program. Norwich offers an incredible selection of courses that can expand your perspective, build new skills, and enrich your overall experience. As long as you communicate with your academic advisor, many of these courses can be worked into your schedule. Some of my most rewarding classes were ones I initially took just out of curiosity. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. If you put in the work, Norwich will give you the tools, support, and confidence to grow as both a student and a leader. Your future self will thank you for taking the leap.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “I plan to use my degree as a foundation for continued growth and leadership within the United States Coast Guard. Earning this degree has not only strengthened my critical thinking and communication skills but also equipped me with a deeper understanding of leadership, ethics, and organizational effectiveness, all of which are essential in the military. My next step is to pursue a commission through Officer Candidate School, and I believe this degree will help demonstrate my commitment and readiness for that responsibility. Long term, I plan to take on roles where I can lead with integrity, mentor others, and contribute meaningfully to the Coast Guard’s mission. This degree is a stepping stone toward those goals and has helped prepare me to serve at a higher level.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “My biggest professional success since starting my coursework at Norwich has been my promotion to Operations Specialist Second Class (OS2), or E-5, in the Coast Guard. This advancement marked a significant step forward in my career and reflected the growth in leadership, accountability, and technical knowledge I developed both on the job and through my studies. Norwich played a significant role in helping me achieve this goal. The coursework challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach problems with a broader perspective — all of which directly translated into my performance at work. Balancing school with long, demanding shifts in the command center was not always easy, but Norwich’s flexible and supportive structure made it possible. This promotion was not only a recognition of my hard work but a reminder that pursuing higher education while serving is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time when you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “One of the most impactful moments where I applied what I learned at Norwich happened during a complex search and rescue case in my command center. The case began with multiple distress alerts, but none had identifying information or a clear location. For a while, we had nothing concrete to act on. Eventually, we heard faint radio traffic that we were able to correlate to the alerts, but the position was still unknown. I leaned heavily on the critical thinking and problem-solving strategies I developed through my Norwich coursework. Using structured analysis and communication techniques, I helped coordinate efforts across several agencies to get as many assets and eyes in the area as possible. Through collaboration, persistence, and fast-paced decision-making, we were ultimately able to locate the vessel and rescue both individuals, just moments before their boat sank. This experience solidified the direct value of my education. The leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills I gained from Norwich helped me remain calm under pressure, make informed decisions quickly, and coordinate an effective response that quite literally saved lives. It was a defining moment that reminded me why I serve — and why investing in my education was one of the best decisions I have made.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “The aspects of my Norwich experience that I will carry most strongly with me are the sense of purpose, resilience, and leadership that the program helped me cultivate. Norwich challenged me to grow academically and professionally, but more importantly, it reinforced the values of integrity, service, and accountability — values that are essential in both military and civilian life. I will never forget how supported I felt, even while stationed far from campus in Puerto Rico and managing the demands of active-duty service. The flexibility of the program, combined with faculty who genuinely cared, reminded me that success is possible even under pressure. Norwich taught me how to balance responsibility with ambition and how to lead not just through rank but through character and competence. Those lessons will stay with me throughout my Coast Guard career and beyond, especially as I pursue a commission and continue taking on greater leadership roles. Norwich helped me become not only a better student but also a better version of myself, and that is something I’ll carry with pride.”
Q: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?”
A: “Norwich has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. It gave me the confidence to pursue goals that once felt out of reach, like earning my degree while serving full-time in the Coast Guard and preparing for Officer Candidate School. The program reminded me that leadership is not just about authority but about consistency, ethics, and the willingness to grow through challenges. What makes Norwich truly special is its commitment to developing leaders of character. I never felt like just a number — I felt seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way. Being part of the Norwich community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am proud to carry the legacy of this university with me as I continue to serve.”
