Today@Sam Article

SHSU Student Supports Fellow Military Family Students

April 30, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

In April, Sam Houston State University celebrates Military Child Month, a national awareness month designated to honor the resilience and sacrifices of military children. SHSU has recently been ranked as the sixth most Military Friendly School and second most Military Spouse Friendly School in the nation by Military Friendly and has consistently held high rankings.

Kassandra Infante, a current second-year student, shared her journey as a military child attending Sam Houston and how working for SHSU’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) has contributed to her advancement. She also received a grant to help pay for her studies.

“The assistance I received is a tremendous help, and graduating college has been one of my greatest goals. My father made the ultimate sacrifice. When I began elementary school, I knew he may not have been able to be with me along the way. However, I will continue to make him proud,” Infante said about her father, who was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Coming to Sam Houston, Infante was not aware that it had a military-friendly reputation. After getting to know the university better and understanding what Sam Houston does for their military-connected students, she sees how SHSU has maintained its reputation.

Adding to her experience is Infante’s work with the VRC. She first connected with the center when she registered for her first classes in 2023 and now works in their office as a student worker.

“I’ve learned a lot, not just about administrative work and time management, but also about the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to college life,” she said. “I’ve also learned how important it is to be approachable and reliable in a supporting role.”

In her role, Infante supports student veterans and ensures they have access to the VRC’s resources. She helps students navigate education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as access academic and financial support, bolstering the VRC’s welcoming environment. Infante also helps manage communications, such as creating flyers for upcoming programs. She explained the work she does for the VRC and how this experience has taught her some valuable lessons.

“Overall, working at the VRC has been a meaningful experience. It’s more than just a job, it feels like I’m part of a community that truly makes a difference,” Infante said. “I’ve had the chance to work closely with some incredible people, both staff and students, and that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.”

Infante is studying criminal justice with a minor in legal studies. She’s a proud member of Alpha Omicron Pi and Student Veterans of America, which allows student veterans to have more educational experiences and resources. She emphasized the positive impact that participating in organizations, working at the VRC and being a military child has made on her social circle.

“My favorite thing about attending Sam Houston is all the friendships I was able to make within all the different organizations and classes I’ve taken,” she said. “Being military connected has allowed me to bond with other students and it’s nice to be around people who understand that part of my life.”

In the future, Infante plans to use her degree to attend law school and become an attorney. She made special note of how the classes she has taken have inspired her and taught her why her field matters. She hopes that her journey as a military-connected student at Sam will motivate prospective students with similar experiences to seek out the VRC and see what an education at SHSU can do for them.

“I would tell any military connected student considering Sam Houston to not be afraid to ask questions about their benefits, we want them to get everything that they are awarded to have,” Infante said. “I would suggest they get involved on campus as well, we have many different organizations on campus that could suit them and make them feel at home.”

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