Big City, Bold Moves: Marine Charts New Course at Fordham

Kayla Espinoza didn’t just switch coasts—she redefined her mission. After serving in the Marine Corps and transitioning to the reserves, she left her home in Glendale, Arizona, and enrolled at Fordham University in New York City.

“It felt daunting at first,” Espinoza said. “But I’m always up for new experiences, and New York offers so many opportunities for students, veterans, and career networking.”

For Espinoza, the military served as a launchpad. She enlisted right out of high school, unsure of her long-term path but determined to build real-world experience and ease the financial burden on her parents, to save for her younger siblings’ college tuition.

“I knew I wanted to be independent,” she said. “I figured the military would help me grow, travel, and set myself up for school later.”

Espinoza began her career in the Marine Corps as an air intelligence specialist and spent three years flying as an aerial observer aboard CH-53 helicopters with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466. During her active-duty service, she deployed aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard to support the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

She later transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve, where she now serves as a civil affairs specialist—an assignment that has strengthened her interest in humanitarian work.

Espinoza began taking classes part-time at a community college while training in her new military occupational specialty. That experience gave her the confidence to aim higher. Her search led her to Fordham’s Humanitarian Studies program—but it wasn’t just academics that attracted her.

“Fordham stood out because it didn’t just talk the talk,” Espinoza said. “The Yellow Ribbon benefits are unmatched. The school wants veterans to succeed.”

Starting over in a new city challenged her. She worried about losing the military support system she had built, but found something familiar at Fordham’s Office of Military and Veterans’ Services.

“I worried about losing that connection I had in the Marines,” she said. “But every veteran and staff member I’ve met here welcomed me. I felt like I had a team again.”

Espinoza quickly got involved at Fordham. She works as a VA work-study student, helping other military-connected students navigate their benefits and adjust to campus life. She’s also an active member of the Student Veterans of America at Fordham and plans to engage more with the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, which aligns with her academic goals.

“I thought I’d focus just on my coursework,” she said. “But I learned getting involved matters. It helped me clarify where I want to go next.”

Like many New Yorkers, she’s found a few favorite routines along the way—including a regular stop at her go-to bagel shop near the Lincoln Center campus.

Marine Corps veteran Kayla Espinoza emerges from the subway near Columbus Circle and powers toward Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus—ready to take on her next mission as a student in New York City. Photo by Jeriel Nuñez.

Kayla Espinoza refuels outside Broad Nosh Bagels before heading to class at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus—finding rhythm, routine, and for her, the best breakfast in the city. Photo by Jeriel Nuñez.

Inside the Fordham University Veterans Center, Kayla Espinoza builds community and supports fellow military-connected students, bringing the teamwork she learned in the Marine Corps into every conversation. Photo by Jeriel Nuñez.

Kayla Espinoza walks with purpose through New York City, drawing on her Marine Corps experience as she shapes a new future at Fordham University. Photo by Jeriel Nuñez.

“I always order a ham, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel with a black coffee,” she said. “Breakfast bagels are pretty much one of my favorite things to get, and New York City obviously makes the best.”

Her next step may include pursuing a master’s degree in humanitarian affairs or jumping into the field for hands-on experience before returning to school. Espinoza credits Fordham with giving her the tools and confidence to move forward wherever she goes.

“The clarity I’ve gained here—especially from the people I’ve met—has made a huge difference,” she said. “I came here for an education, but I found direction.”

Looking back, Espinoza offers one key piece of advice to veterans considering Fordham or any significant change: reach out early.

“I figured out a lot on my own, but I wish I had contacted the Veterans Office during the application process,” she said. “It would’ve saved me time and opened more resources.”

And what does she appreciate most about Fordham?

“The people. The campus. The doors it opens. Being in New York City makes a real difference,” she said. “It can change everything if you’re willing to make the move.”

About the Office of Military and Veterans’ Services at Fordham University: Fordham University’s Office of Military and Veterans’ Services (OMVS) supports veterans, service members, and military-connected students as they transition from military life to college and into professional careers. Through personalized support, benefit navigation, career development, and a strong community network, OMVS ensures student veterans thrive academically, socially, and professionally. As a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant, Fordham is committed to honoring those who served by investing in their success, on campus and beyond.