Dino Ciccone is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Operation Enduring Freedom military campaign in Afghanistan. While in the Navy, he worked on maintaining and launching F-18s from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. John C. Stennis.
His stint on the flight decks was grueling, he said, but the Navy provided stability and order to his life when he needed it.
After a promising start as a scholarship recipient at Florida State University, Ciccone dropped out of college. At 22, he was “having too much fun” and lost his academic focus, he said.
“I needed someone to whup me back into shape,” he said. “I’ve definitely matured plenty, and I’ve stopped taking everything for granted.”
Now 27, Ciccone said Perimeter College gave him a second chance to pursue his education. On Thursday, Dec. 15, he will graduate with highest honors with his associate degree. He is among 3,744 students scheduled to graduate from Georgia State University.
Ciccone said he took his college academic career much more seriously at Perimeter, and he credits Perimeter College military student advocate Lorretta Arrington with helping him navigate his Veterans Affairs benefits and keeping him on track to graduate.
“She calls me regularly to make sure everything is good,” Ciccone said. “I know she doesn’t have to do that. She’s been absolutely amazing.”
After receiving his associate degree, Ciccone hopes to pursue his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at Kennesaw State University. Afterward, he wants to travel and experience new surroundings.
“I want to work somewhere where the typical person doesn’t go,” he said. “I would love to go and work in Antarctica.”
Ciccone encourages other veterans to pursue their education.
“In boot camp, we learn the fastest way through any task is to just do it,” he said. “It’s going to be worth it.”