When Adaiah Rogers decided to check out Towson University’s Military & Veterans Center (MVC), she didn’t know what to expect.

The Marine corporal definitely didn’t expect to see a spirited session of the board game Risk.

“I was sitting there, and I just couldn’t help but think that this was cool,” Rogers laughs. “I didn’t know if this was for me, but I thought it was pretty cool.”

And while board games weren’t initially her thing, she did find the MVC was an essential resource to her TU career.

She calls her military experience unique. While she loved the beginning of her career, the rest of the first four years were tough.

"From being ostracized by my leadership to experiencing hazing and sexual assault, it all happened to me, and it led to a really dark time in my life,” Rogers says. “It hurt me deeply because it was an organization that I loved so much, this experience was the complete opposite of what we valued in the corps. I felt so unprotected and robbed of the sense of belonging I once had."

“I left angry and upset. And one day after being a civilian and thinking [my military career] was over, [I realized] I didn't want that to be my experience—looking back in 20 years and having this very soiled emotion.”

After re-enlisting for a year, Rogers joined another unit. This time, the experience was much better. She was officially discharged from the Marines this November, and it was bittersweet because she felt she had finally made the impact she had hoped to make when she first joined.

Her juniors, peers, and leadership respected and admired the contributions she made, recognizing the positive difference she brought to the unit.

"Not only did I get the leadership that I deserved, but that also healed something in me. I became the leader that I've always wanted to be, the one that I truly needed, in my active-duty years."  

The Military & Veterans Center helped me out tremendously. From making sure I get the resources that I need to encouraging me to seek help for myself, the MVC has been there for me.

Adaiah Rogers

Now a junior at Towson University, and fresh off of being discharged, Rogers says the MVC helped her adjust to becoming a civilian student.

“I don’t think I’d be here without the MVC,” Rogers says. “It's difficult transitioning from the military into civilian life, but then being surrounded by students a lot younger than you, it can be challenging.

“The MVC helped me out tremendously. From making sure I get the resources that I need to encouraging me to seek help for myself, the MVC has been there for me.”

Rogers wanted to find a way to pay the assistance she received forward. She now works for the center, serving as a peer support specialist—a TU student veteran that acts as a liaison for other veteran students and helps them understand their benefits from Veterans Affairs. 

But Rogers sees the position as more.

“Being a peer support specialist means checking in on them, providing them with other resources that are outside of our scope,” she says. “It means hanging out, making friends, having a good study group or a good board game partner to play with.”

And according to Rebecca Cossaboom, assistant director of military-affiliated supports and services, many of the students who work with Rogers become active parts of the Towson University community.

"Adaiah has been the leader sought after by her fellow marines for support and guidance, this does not happen by accident, Cossaboom says. “Adaiah’s leadership is sought after because she is intentional and shows her care in the ways she shows up daily.

"Community does not just happen, and through Adaiah’s work at the MVC, she supports our team in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Adaiah is a key community builder and advocate for those who may have a difficult time using their own voice. "

Towson Veterans at The White House

Members Tiger Veterans Group attend a White House commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy invasion (Submitted Photo)

Along with helping her fellow student veterans, Rogers has found other ways to represent Towson University. She is currently working towards a bachelor's degree in the College of Business and Economics' international business program. 

This past spring, she was one of several members of the Tiger Veterans Group, a chapter of the Student Veterans of America, that attended the White House commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy invasion.

She was also named a Transform Mid-Atlantic Civic fellow. The yearlong fellowship offers area students high-impact opportunities to develop their leadership skills and understanding of civic and community engagement so they may better serve as leaders in their communities.

The person who helped nominate her, and even wrote a letter of recommendation for her, was Towson University President Mark Ginsberg.

Adaiah is an inspiring student leader at TU. As a member of the veteran and military-affiliated community, she has made it her mission to support her peers...Adaiah is a powerful role model.

From Towson University President Mark Ginsberg's recommendation letter. 

“When I saw that, I cried,” Rogers says. “With my military peers, they go to school with the sense that you must get in and get out. I’ve had the experience that in a school of thousands of students, the president recognized me and what I’ve done in my life to help people.

“TU is just a big network of opportunity,” she continues. “I’ve met not only great peers, but we have great professors that go beyond to get you connected to what you want to do. Towson University gives me a sense of belonging, and it felt like I did in my childhood when I was at my happiest.”