Wesleyan Vet Emphasizes Community on Campus, Looks to Foreign Service

Posse Veterans Scholar Elle Bixby is attending Wesleyan University while on a break from the military. She is enrolled in the Navy’s Career Interruption Plan, which grants her time off to pursue a bachelor’s degree in exchange for six more years of service.

“The military is a place that challenges you, and that’s what I want in college,” Elle says. “Wesleyan wants you to not just look at the status quo, what’s in front of you, but to think outside the box. People who come to Posse want the challenge, too—they want to strive.”

“I received so much support from Posse and Wes. Most vets don’t have that when transitioning to college.”

Like many students, Elle’s first year of college presented a particular set of obstacles with coronavirus-related quarantines and remote classes. She struggled with the isolation, and found it began to impact her academic performance.

“Posse and Wesleyan were great about keeping up with me,” Elle says. “My boyfriend was deployed and I had some real struggles. I received so much support from Posse and Wes. Most vets don’t have that when transitioning to college.”

Now heading into a new school year, Elle is excited to continue her efforts to build community by connecting diverse groups on campus. As the incoming president of the Wesleyan Student Veterans Organization—the first-ever female student to hold the position—she’s already has planned a welcome barbecue for the new Posse Veterans Program cohort and their families.

“I plan to reach more into the Wesleyan community with get-togethers sponsored by Posse and other campus groups,” Elle says. “People are really curious about us. When students find out you’re part of Posse, they ask what was it like being in the military. These exchanges are a great way to connect.”

Despite the hurdles, Elle finished her first academic year strong and is on track to finish a three-year graduation plan. Her next goal is to attend Officer Candidate School, transferring from Aviation into Naval Intelligence, a potential jumping-off point to enter the Foreign Service as a Naval Attache. Elle’s eventual aim is to serve as a U.S. ambassador.

“I have so many more opportunities now,” Elle says. “Posse has set me up so well for what will come next.”