Naomi Joubert’s experience in the Air Force included high-stress assignments such as participating in security detail for Presidential and top-level officer visits. After several years of service, however, she experienced a traumatic back injury that effectively ended her military career with a medical discharge.

Today, Joubert is poised to graduate from Lone Star College-University Park. It hasn’t been an easy road, she said, but with the support of the college’s Veterans Services and the wide spectrum of resources that are available to veterans, she has persisted through multiple challenges.

“I started at Lone Star College in 2012, just after I moved to Houston. So, it has been a long journey,” said Joubert, who changed her area of study several times, finally deciding on psychology. “But my time in the Air Force, as well as the dedication of several people in the college who help veterans, has prepared me for my future.”

Joubert grew up as one of five children in Lake Charles, LA. By her junior year of high school, she knew that the military was a solid option, as she didn’t want her single mom to struggle to put her through college.

“I also had a broken heart at the time, and then after 9-11, I wanted to serve my country,” she said.

Joubert compares her decision to join the military to the mentality that many people have about voting.

“Some say, ‘your vote doesn’t count.’ But it does, and that’s part of the reason I signed up – to make a difference.”

Today, Joubert plans to make a difference by helping others – like her – who have struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially those in the military. Once she graduates with her Associate of Arts degree from LSC-University Park, she will continue toward her bachelor’s degree in psychology from either Prairie View A&M University or the University of Houston.

“Going through PTSD and other stressful life situations has helped me see how my mind works,” she said. I want to help other women who have gone through the same things I’ve been through. It’s a blessing to find something that motivates me and gives me strength. I want to be productive.”

“Student veterans like Naomi illustrate how important it is for the college to provide a full range of services for those who have so bravely served our country,” said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. “LSC-University Park has been recognized as a Military Friendly^® School, and we’ve been intentional about how we meet their needs. They face unique challenges, so we must provide innovative and personalized solutions. It is an honor and privilege to serve our veterans, and we congratulate and celebrate both our student and employee veterans.”

Joubert credits her time at LSC-University Park with helping her get past some of her learning disabilities. The college accommodated her with special tutoring, testing resources, and more. She also thanked the college for establishing the Student Veterans Lounge, which gives veterans the opportunity and space to socialize with each other and share stories of their experiences – both in and out of the military.

“Being a student veteran isn’t easy,” says Joubert. “I am also a wife and a parent to a blended family of six children. My husband owns his own business and I help him with paperwork. Dealing with the disruption of COVID-19 has also been a challenge. I’m a mom and a student at the same time. That has slowed me down some, but I am so close to finishing.”

Her advice to those leaving the military and seeking the next chapter in their life?

“First thing is to get your medical records,” she said. “You don’t know how what you’ve experienced in the military may impact you out in the ‘real world.’ Life starts hitting you, and this helped with the disabilities I have.”

Most important, she said, is to reach out and take advantage of all the resources available to veterans.

LSC-University Park, she said, makes it easy to do this. She praised the college’s veterans advising team, which sponsors veteran-specific events, and the Student Veterans Club, and for always being there for her.

“My advisor, Anne (Imber), is so sweet. Anything I’ve needed, she made it happen. She figured it out for me, and then she followed up to make sure I was okay.”

Finally, she encourages veterans to have a goal in mind – and to pursue it, no matter the obstacles.

“Pick back up and keep on pushing,” she said. “Whatever brings you joy, you should chase after your dreams.”

Click here to learn more about Veteran Services.