Holden Lindblom — From Army to Stanford!
This is one part in a series of veteran profiles spotlighting Service to School (S2S) and our VetLink program, which connects veterans with highly selective colleges and universities.
Hometown: Northborough, Massachusetts
Fun Fact About Yourself: I was born in Lulea, Sweden, and moved to the United States when I was six-years-old.
Intended Major: Computer Science
What did you do in the military? I was a 13F Fire Support Specialist (Forward Observer). In other words, I was responsible for providing targeting guidance to indirect fire systems (mortars and howitzers). As a Forward Observer, I patrolled with infantry soldiers and maintained communications with headquarters — providing battlefield information.
What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Passing the Joint Fires Observer (JFO) School while stationed with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) was one of my greatest accomplishments during my time in service. The course required a substantial amount of studying, and it was the first military school I attended that gave me an indication that I could do well in academia.
How did you hear about S2S? My older sister was attending a class with Khalil Tawil who also happened to have served in the 173rd ABCT. When Khalil discovered that I was preparing to apply to universities, he told my sister to inform me about Service to School. I had no idea where to begin in my academic pursuits, and Saamon Legoski was invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of academia.
What was the best part of S2S for you? Service to School provided me the knowledge and confidence I needed in order to succeed at my community college. Without S2S I would not have discovered my full potential and not have striven to apply to schools such as Stanford University.
Why did you decide to pursue college? Towards the end of my military contract, I realized that I wanted to return to academia to redeem my past failures. I had been a terrible high school student, but the military opened my eyes to the importance of a formal education. The U.S. Army had unlocked my inner drive and motivated me to do well. With a regained confidence, I wanted to return to school and learn as much as possible.
How has the transition been from the military to civilian life? My transition from military to civilian life has been fairly smooth. I have been incredibly fortunate to have a loving family and a strong friend group that has rallied behind me and provided amazing support. Although the day-to-day culture between military and student-life is vastly different, I found the differences to be a pleasant surprise.
What’s your favorite part about Stanford University? Although I have yet to start my first quarter at Stanford, during my decision process, I was amazed by the openness of the campus and the friendliness of the faculty, staff, and student body. Originally, I planned to stay on the east coast. However, after spending a couple of days in sunny Palo Alto and walking around the Stanford campus, I fell in love with the area and knew that it was the right university for me.
What advice would you give to future applicants? Don’t be discouraged to apply to your dream school! Although the low acceptance rate, application process, and hard work can feel daunting, it is worth every moment. When I first began my journey, I never thought I’d be attending a school such as Stanford University. Through the support of S2S, my family, and my friends, I was able to set the bar high and achieve that goal. No matter your past, you can do this!
What are your goals post-graduation? Honestly, I am not sure what I’d like to do post-graduation. I hope to gain a better understanding of what my career and graduate school options are once I begin my first academic year at Stanford.
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Stanford University is a private research university in Palo Alto, California. Its 8,180-acre campus is one of the largest in the United States. It is consistently cited as one of the world’s most prestigious universities. For more information, please visit www.stanford.edu.
Service to School is a 501(3) non-profit committed to helping our nation’s veterans earn admission to highly selective colleges and universities. Our mission is to help every transitioning military veteran win admission to the best college or graduate school possible.
In 2015, Service to School launched VetLink, an initiative within our larger mentoring program, which partners our organization with some of the best colleges and universities in the U.S. including Amherst College, Cornell University, Emory University, Harvard College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Notre Dame, Pomona College, Princeton University, Smith College, Stanford University, Williams College, and Yale University.
Are you a transitioning veteran thinking about applying to college to earn your undergraduate or bachelor’s degree? Sign up for help from Service to School.
