Allan Estrada: Serving the Cuyamaca College Veteran Community

 

Allan Estrada, Cuyamaca College Veterans Student Specialist, served proudly in the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. After a three-year- tour on an infantry contract, including a year in Afghanistan, Allan returned home and began his transition to civilian life. His return began with a year of treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) after an encounter with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan. Allan suffered from a stutter, severe vertigo and memory problems but attending college helped in his recovery.

 

After treatment, Allan enrolled at Cuyamaca College in 2014 where he served as a Veterans Services work study student while earning his associate degree in Sociology. After graduating from Cuyamaca in 2016, Allan transferred to SDSU where he earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Utilizing his Veterans education benefit, he then went on to complete his masters in Counseling.

 

Allan spearheaded a program at Cuyamaca College unlike any other found in our region. His dedication to the job isn't just about helping students through their academic journey, he is improving the quality of life for our students outside of Cuyamaca College. He understands that in order for our Veteran students to be successful in college, we must address the wellness of the whole student.