Jaivean M. Mensie
My time at Norwich provided me with a new perspective on international relations, the country, and myself. I will cherish the memories, lessons, and achievements from being a Norwich student.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I was born and raised in a suburb of Miami, Florida, in the company of my mother, stepfather, Vincent, and four siblings. I am currently engaged, and I am a proud father to three sons. I am deeply committed to volunteering and mentoring young men through my affiliation with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading non-fiction literature, listening to various musical genres, engaging in physical fitness activities, and dedicating quality time to my family. I proudly serve as a Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Navy, currently embracing the challenging role of Administration Officer for an Air Reconnaissance Unit. With over 16 years of experience, I bring invaluable skills in Submarine Warfare and Deep Submergence operations to our mission!”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “I am proud to be the first in my immediate family to graduate with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. More importantly, I wanted to set an example for my three sons. I believe it's essential to demonstrate academic excellence through action rather than just words. Achieving this goal has always been important to me and will also support my professional aspirations.”
Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “I plan to continue serving in the Navy until I retire. While I’m not certain when that will be, I look forward to the experiences and opportunities to serve. After my time in the Navy, I may explore career options with the State Department or possibly in the intelligence field.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “Norwich University seemed both interesting and challenging to me. As the oldest private military institution, it holds a unique distinction that made me eager to join the ranks of its distinguished graduates. The opportunity to take six credits per course also appealed to me, as it would push me to challenge myself more than ever before.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “Initially, I was hesitant about attending online courses because I was accustomed to a traditional learning model. However, my experience with online learning at Norwich was smooth and straightforward. As an active-duty military member, my operational schedule did not permit me to attend traditional classes, so my only option was to pursue my education online.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “I anticipated that the courses would be challenging because it is an online degree program. While some people think these programs are easier, my demanding schedule and the fact that I am an hour behind my school make effective time management essential. I confronted all challenges directly and utilized the resources provided by the university to support me as much as possible.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “The best advice I can give future students is to prepare early and communicate regularly. The professors and support staff are essential to your success. Don't hesitate to reach out for the assistance you need.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “As a member of a reconnaissance unit, I apply the principles, theories, and lessons learned at Norwich every day. By understanding the connection between these theories and real-world events, I gain a better insight into how my specific role and the overall mission of our command contribute to strengthening our national defense capabilities.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “Completing this program has been my greatest personal achievement! Norwich truly opened my eyes to the endless opportunities that come from focus and dedication. I'm excited for what lies ahead!”
Q: “Please tell us about a time when you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “I once attended a briefing about a near-peer adversary, where I was able to understand the material presented and ask relevant questions about how the concepts I learned at Norwich applied to the current operational environment.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “My time at Norwich provided me with a new perspective on international relations, the country, and myself. I will cherish the memories, lessons, and achievements from being a Norwich student. I want to express my gratitude to the Norwich staff for making this journey both challenging and enjoyable. It has been a memorable experience.”
