Antwane joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1996 and served until 2009. He was stationed at two San Diego areas bases, Camp Pendleton and MCAS Miramar, CA; he also saw duty in Afghanistan.

Antwane Green

He had two jobs in the service, amusical avocation playing saxophone, flute and clarinet. He also worked in aviation supply as a warehouse manager.

While Antwane enjoyed being a musician he wanted his academic career to take him in a new direction.

“I really enjoyed being a musician,” he said. “However, as a music major, and a professional musician I realized that I would not being to survive and provide for myself in the ‘real’ world. I also realized that working in warehouseswould not be a stable career either; besides, I found warehouse work to be dull.”

Antwane opted to pursue a career in engineering. “I searched around for other career choices that were more secure and stable and discovered the best choice would be engineering,” he explained. “The transition from Marine tostudent was a bit difficult, but the staff and professors here have made it an easy experience.”

Antwane said university life can be challenging.

“The biggest challenge was and still is trying to balance work, school, and personal life,” he said. “Unfortunately I have to work and being older I do have a life outside of the university. I found tutoring, and the student supportservices, the Center for Inclusion and Diversity, and the engineering department staff and faculty are all very helpful.”

What he enjoys about USD is seeing his objectives coming closer to being realized.

“I love the fact that I am getting closer to achieving my goals and obtaining a career,” he said. “I also love the staff and faculty here. As for the difference being a vet student, the only difference I can speak of beside age is beingpersistent, perseverance and discipline.”

Ultimately, Antwane said he would like to work in electrical engineering with SPAWAR.