Student Veteran of the Month

“What we do in life will forever echo in eternity,” says UIC graduate student Cesar A. Medina.

By Rafael Victoria — rvicto3@uic.edu 

Cesar A. Medina felt the call to be a part of something bigger than himself, so he decided to join the Army.

“What we do in life will forever echo in eternity — we have to make it a loud one,” said Medina, a graduate student in public administration.

After completing basic training in 2011, Medina had the tools to succeed. After a few years in the Army, he was promoted to Sergeant (E-5). He was a transportation, logistical, postal and operations specialist during his time in the service, which included a 10-month deployment to Afghanistan.

He now serves in the Army Reserve’s 200th Military Police Company as a Human Resource Specialist (42A), providing guidance to soldiers and their families.

Medina was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Order of the Combat Spur, Army Commendation Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal, among others.

“Being in the military has helped me become an adaptable person and make the most out of the obstacles life throws and will continue to throw at me,” Medina said. “In today’s Army and in life, I believe that we must learn how to innovate; otherwise, we become obsolete.”

Although Medina continues to actively serve in the military, he also finds time to organize events with UIC’s Student Veterans Association. He’s also an Army ROTC cadet, pursuing a career as an Officer.

He’s working his way toward a graduate degree in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.

“I chose UIC because I was raised here and after traveling around the U.S., I’ve realized there is no place like home,” he said. “I love this city because it is very diverse and unlike any other in the world.”

Medina’s time is usually consumed with hard work, research and classes. He spends his leisure time learning about international economic development, global affairs and local government.

Medina is a strong believer that knowledge is meant to be shared.

“Those young men and women who are moving up the ranks, they are the future and you never know when you’ll have an impact on someone’s life and that is ultimately what defines you as a leader,” he said.