Recognizing the service, contributions, and sacrifices of our veteran and military service men and women, the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award—established by generous donors Peter and Sarah Beshar—supports the educational pursuits and aspirations of John Jay veteran and military students. We sat down with recipients of the scholarship to learn more about how their military service has shaped their lives and how this scholarship will impact their continued path to success.

Winning the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award came as a surprise to Shanna-Kay Irving ’22, a John Jay graduate student, motor transport operator in the United States Army National Guard, and Officer Candidate. “I’ve never won a scholarship, so to win one where military servicemembers and veterans are recognized for their service and work ethic is something I’m really grateful for,” says Irving, whose commitment to public service is undeniable. Currently, while pursuing a master’s degree in Criminal Justice with an Advanced Certificate in Crime Prevention, Irving also works in the Army National Guard and is an emergency medical technician (EMT). She’s also created the JR Forbes Foundation Inc., to provide servicemembers and first responders with access to mental health resources. “As a public servant, my goal is to help us all move toward a better future and inspire others to be the best version of themselves. That’s why I’m in the military and working in public service,” says Irving. “Being named a winner of the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award puts me on the path to bring about the change I hope to see in society.”

Answering to the Call
“After immigrating to the U.S. from Jamaica, Irving started to dream about becoming a soldier. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to serve my community and this country,” she says. A few years ago I spoke with an Army recruiter and I thought to myself, I’m ready for a different kind of challenge. And so, I enlisted in the Army National Guard.” Recounting her early days in basic training, Irving remembers the great sense of pride she felt joining the military ranks, and it’s a pride she carries with her every day. “When you see people in their uniform, it’s not just about the uniform. It’s about the structure and the discipline the Army provides. It’s the way we walk, the way we carry ourselves, and the way we talk to people. My time in the military has made me a better person and showed me that I’m stronger than I ever thought I could be, both physically and mentally,” says Irving, explaining how the military has fully enriched her life. “In the Army National Guard, I work with people who are from different countries, cultures, and who have different customs and courtesies, which teaches you to remain open-minded. You take the ‘being disciplined’ with ‘being open-minded’ and you’re better able to maintain your composure in high-stress situations because you can see things from all sides. Your mindset is set on: ‘How can I help fix this problem?’ as oppose to ‘You’re wrong and I’m right.’”

Earning her Degree
While her work with the Army National Guard and as an EMT take up a good portion of her schedule, Irving is making room to earn her master’s degree in Criminal Justice at John Jay. “I know it’s a bit cliché to say, but John Jay has always been my dream school. I’m aware of the important role the College plays in creating future law enforcement officers—so what better place to get my master’s degree,” says Irving, whose first semester at John Jay was made possible through the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award scholarship. “The GI bill only covered about 60 percent of my tuition costs, and I was left with a $3,000 balance which would have put next semester on hold for me. But thanks to the Beshar Scholars Military Service Award and the generosity of Peter and Sarah Beshar, I’m able to pay off my balance and continue pursuing my master’s degree,” says a grateful Irving, who credits Richard Pusateri, Military and Veteran Services Manager, for encouraging her to apply to the scholarship. “Mr. Pusateri is an incredible source of motivation for military and veteran students at the College. I’ve been able to go to him with questions at any hour of the day and he always answers me quickly,” says Irving. “Earlier this semester, I had questions about how I would pay for my education while also balancing my military obligations and work duties. I knew I didn’t want to take out loans, since I had $35,000 in student loans from my undergraduate education. I went to Mr. Pusateri and he suggested I apply for the Beshar Scholarship and I’m so thankful he did.”     

Helping the Next Generation
With her experience in public service and education from John Jay, Irving is eager to continue her work helping communities thrive. “I started a foundation called the JR Forbes Foundation Inc., to motivate people to reach their potential,” says Irving. The foundation’s programs are centered around the communities Irving holds dear: first responders, health care workers and service members; and at-risk youth in the Bronx. “This is my way of bridging the gap. With the Beyond the Yellow Line program, I’m providing mental health resources to first responders and servicemembers, letting them know where they can seek out therapy or treatment, and helping them navigate through the difficulties in life,” says Irving. “For Men Only, is a mentorship program that creates a dialogue and opportunity for young men who are at-risk. We pair them with mentors who are firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and servicemembers. They’re getting guidance and encouragement to focus on their education because we are invested in their future and want them to succeed.”

Irving’s non-stop pursuit to serve her communities and country may seem exhausting—she readily admits she rarely sleeps—but she doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon. “In the Army we say, ‘Hunt the good stuff,’” recalls Irving. “It’s about creating a positive mindset, being eager to learn and help, and choosing to be kind. I make it a point to always treat people with kindness and compassion because you never know what others are going through. I believe that if we focused our energy on building others up instead of tearing each other down, educating, and providing the right resources, we’re going to position the next generation for true greatness.”