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“In a perfect world, what would you like to do?” It’s a question, after having served and sacrificed, to get veterans to better envision a world of opportunities for themselves. 

Asking the question is Amanda Depew, Air Force veteran and social work graduate assistant with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program. 

During the pandemic, VUB continues to hep veterans prepare for postsecondary education, by providing counseling, advisement, basic skills review/enhancement and referrals to a variety of services and resources, according to VUB Program Director James Robbins. 

“One of our bright spots is our staff, all of whom are superior,” said Robbins, “but I want to highlight Amanda Depew and her dedication to our veteran participants.” 

“I assist veterans with choosing a career best suited for their needs, wants, desires and abilities,” explained Depew. “I help the veteran weigh the pros and cons of a chosen school major and career field. Recently, I spoke with a veteran who, after answering my ‘perfect world’ question, said he was interested in studying biology but also was interested in music. After some researching, I found several career fields in which biology and music can be combined. 

 “I informed him of SIUE’s Integrative Studies Program (ISP) in which he would be able to create a degree program combining his interests. I reached out to Dawn Huckelberry ISP senior academic advisor, who immediately responded and provided an academic map. It’s that kind of support throughout SIUE that establishes us as one of the most veteran friendly and supportive schools around. Upon hearing the information, the veteran was motivated in realizing he had the option of being a biology/music major in the Integrative Studies Program.” 

Some of Depew’s other job responsibilities to veterans include:

• Help filling out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) paperwork and accessing veteran education benefits
• Serve as an intermediary between the veteran and SIUE’s Military and Veteran Services (MAVS), ensuring the veteran is established with Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense benefits
• Guarantee that the veteran is connected with the right staff on campus to secure a smooth transition into higher education and campus life  

“I stay in contact with our participants throughout their time in our program,” continued Depew. “If education is not the veteran’s goal, that is OK. We still want to help. If achieving some form of stability is what they need first, that is how we assist them. We help our veterans with obtaining employment through networking within our office and our community partners.

“We are not miracle workers, but we will do what we can to make a veteran’s life a little easier. A veteran with support, encouragement and purpose is a community well served.” 

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. 

Photo:
Amanda Depew, Air Force veteran and social work graduate assistant with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program.