Military Student Spotlight: Meet Sgt. David DiMattia
David DiMattia did not envision college in his life plan but eventually grew to understand the value of higher education. A sergeant based in Newport News at Joint Base-Langley Eustis, DiMattia started taking college classes during his first two years in the Army, and enrolled at Thomas Nelson last year. With six years of military service to date, he is strategically plotting his future. Here, he discusses life and the student experience.
Discuss your background … hometown, education, etc. What prompted you to join the military?
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio where I graduated from Bay High in 2015. I joined the military shortly after graduating high school because I wanted a career change from auto mechanics and because at the time, I did not see myself ever going to college. I thought the military was the best option to put me on a different path and give me the ability to succeed in life.
What is your military job or occupational specialty? What are the duties associated with the position?
My job in the military is an 88M wheeled vehicle operator as well as a team leader. My duties have varied drastically throughout my career. Currently, I am directly in charge of four soldiers. As a team leader, it is my responsibility to make sure that my teams trained in their job and doing the right thing on and off duty. In addition to this I am expected to be ready to take on any missions given to me.
When did you decide to go back to school and why did you to choose Thomas Nelson?
After my first two years in the army, I realized that I wanted something different. I got married young and this changed my outlook on the future so I decided college would give me the best opportunity in and out of the military to be as successful as possible. I took a few classes here and there from another institution because my workload at my last unit would not allow ample time for me to take more. We were frequently gone on training missions and working 6 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. was our regular schedule, but once I came to Fort Eustis, I knew that I needed to focus on my college education. Therefore, I enrolled at (the College) and have been taking two classes per semester since my enrollment in January of 2021.
What degree are you pursuing a degree and why did you to select that program? When are you scheduled to graduate? What are your academic and career plans after Thomas Nelson?
I am currently pursuing my degree in business administration here at (Thomas Nelson) in hopes to transfer to University of Virginia, University of Michigan, or The Ohio State University this upcoming fall. I have always been interested in the strategy that comes with businesses and higher-level roles, which I hope to work my way into one day. I am hoping to gain admission into one of the universities I listed above to continue my education and earn my bachelor's degree. One of the main reasons I transferred to (Thomas Nelson) is because UVA accepts most of its transfers from Virginia community colleges.
Describe your experience at the College … the registration/enrollment process, quality of instruction and available support when difficulties arise.
The staff at (the College) have been the easiest to work with and the friendliest out of the three universities I have now attended. Any time I have had a problem, I get a quick response and a resolution within days.
How do you balance the demands of work, education, and personal life?
The only way I stay sane while working 50 + hours a week and being gone for weeks at a time on occasion, taking two classes per semester, completely renovating my house, and being the best father and husband I can be is to picture where all this hard work will take me in 10 years. Time management and goal setting are keys to this process. Having set times and a rigid schedule are key to balancing many tasks at once.
What has been the biggest adjustment, if any, that you have had to make in returning to school? If you thought about quitting, what persuaded you to continue?
My time management skills had a serious overhaul after my first few semesters. I had to learn to split up my schoolwork throughout the week while balancing my constantly changing work schedule, and still being present for my wife and son. There have been many nights where I find myself working on schoolwork late into the night while having to be up early the next day (between 3-5 am). The only thing that keeps me sticking with it is the life I will be able to provide my family once I get my degree.
What advice would you offer fellow service members who may be thinking about going back to school?
It is worth it! No matter what career field you are interested in, having college experience can be the difference between getting a promotion over your peers in the military, or getting the best job you can on the civilian side.
Have you completed most of your classes online? If so, describe your on-line learning experience at Thomas Nelson and the advantages it afforded.
I have completed all my classes online and I would not have been able to take nearly as many classes as I have without it. Being online gives me flexibility so when I must go to the field or on a mission for a few weeks, the content for me to succeed is readily available. The staff have been crucial to my success, every time I have been gone on training my professors have been understanding and helpful.
What are your educational and career goals in the next five to 10 years? How will your education help you achieve those goals?
In five years, I am hoping to either be working at an asset management firm or working on my MBA, which is like my 10-year goal. My education is crucial for me to achieve this goal because both paths I want to take require a bachelor's degree at the minimum to get into. In addition, both paths require a very strong knowledge base and I believe Thomas Nelson has given me thus far.
Would you recommend the College to other military students? If so, why?
I recommend (Thomas Nelson) to my soldiers and peers constantly. The staff made the registration process easy and quick. The professors are understanding of the challenges military students face and give you every opportunity to succeed in and out of the classroom.