The BC Vet Fest was a very nice homage to the Veterans who have endured life changing experiences for this country. It brought attention to the many resources that BC offers to those Veterans who feel lost and unsure in how to navigate life, educationally and beyond.

Jenny Frank opened and welcomed the speech portion of this event, first introducing the strong and powerful, but angelic performance of “Star Spangled Banner”, sung by BC Student Messa Almaguer. It was a beautiful scene, seeing everyone have a hand over their heart as they looked up with pride for this country and those who served and still serve.

Calvin Yu spoke on his personal experience as a Veteran, and talked about the resources he found, hoping to make others not feel alone. He stated that the “GI Bill provided me with housing…ability to get masters degree” and added that “support from community, [and] faculty was essential to my success today.”

Yu wants his fellow Veterans to know “I encourage all Veterans to reach out and find these resources.” He also shared an inspirational quote of encouragement, “For those who have fought for it, life life has a sweetness the protected shall never know.”

Dustin Contreras was next in being introduced to the audience, discussing his own story for other veterans to relate to in comradery. He talks about how he has “one son, and four daughters” joking about how it must be payback for his earlier years in life, and explains that none of them showed any interest in enlisting other than one of his daughters. Contreras expressed his hardship of hiding both excitement in the fact that his daughter wanted to follow his footsteps in one way, and fear in the fact that she will have life changing experiences. He also said “Veterans honor their legacy and embrace their destiny of personal and professional growth.”

Contreras looked into the hearts of his fellow Veterans and said, “There’s no stronger heart than the heart of the volunteer.” From the informational and variety in booths, to the music, and lastly to the motivational speeches, the BC Vet Fest was an emotional experience hard to forget.