The first thing that came to mind when I planted my roots in Williamsburg was to look for the right college. Virginia Peninsula was highly recommended.
Anthony Valentine served five years in the United States Army with the majority of time spent overseas among Operation Iraqi Freedom forces. The veteran infantryman completed two tours in Baghdad. "[Duties ] involved walking patrols[and] doing meet and greets for building relationships with locals…," he said. He also experienced combat.
Valentine exited the Army in 2008 and has a service record that includes a National Defense Service Ribbon, a Combat Infantryman Badge, an Iraqi Campaign Medal, two Good Conduct medals and other awards.
Although no longer a soldier, the former corporal is still on a mission. The Social Science major enrolled at Virginia Peninsula Community College in 2015 to continue honing the leadership skills he developed in the military. He came to Virginia from Staten Island, New York having attended Brooklyn's Kingsborough Community College. "The first thing that came to mind when I planted my roots in Williamsburg was to look for the right college. [Virginia Peninsula] was highly recommended. The college is on its Ps and Qs. The professors I've had so far are there for you in the beginning. They are there for you in the middle and they are absolutely there for you at the end," he said.
"That obviously helps you work toward your goals. They give good advice, feedback and even compliments when necessary. That does a lot for your self-esteem," Valentine added.
A full-time student, Valentine plans to seek a bachelor's degree in social science from Virginia Commonwealth University upon completing his Virginia Peninsula studies. His goal is to own a small business and one day enter the political arena to run for a U.S. Senate seat.