Justin Glass

Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) strives to meet our students where they are in their educational, professional and personal journeys. This is especially the case when it comes to our active military and veteran students.

To Justin Glass, a first-year student pursuing his associate degree in business management technology, COTC “feels homey.” Glass joined the Marine Corps when he was 20 and served eight years before taking a job at a distribution company.

As his time in the Marines was ending, Glass and his fellow soldiers would ask each other, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” Glass answered, “I want to better myself.”

After becoming a husband and father, this answer became a guiding sentiment that led him to pursue further education. Aside from that, multiple factors motivated Glass to seek a degree – one of them being his wife, a COTC alumna. He plans to move up the ladder at his current company, either in human resources or accounting, after completing his degree.

Glass always knew about the GI Bill but didn’t know the ins and outs. He reached out to Charlene Ross, COTC’s military and veteran resource coordinator. Within a week of contacting her, he enrolled and started class the following Monday. “Hats off to Charlene,” he praised. Aside from the GI Bill, there are plenty of other scholarships available to veterans that Ross and Misty Amacher, assistant director of student financial services, helped him navigate.

When asked how his military service has impacted his studies, Glass said, “structure, initiative and commitment.” He was also a sergeant, which gave him natural public speaking and leadership skills.

The transition to civilian life was challenging for Glass. “They say when you get out, you’re like a stray cat,” he said. “So, I had to adapt — to everyday life, to people.” When asked what helped the most with that transition, he cited his wife.  

Being a husband and father, online course availability has made college even more accessible. Despite not being on campus his first year, Glass is still learning beyond just his virtual classrooms, especially when it comes to the varying cultures and diversity of COTC’s student body. “Even though you’re not seeing other students, you can understand them through discussion boards. I’ve grown and learned with them – it’s pretty awesome.”

As for his educational journey, Glass said it has been nice to “freshen my brain up” with innovations and new technologies. “I told my wife it’s weird, being back at school. Yeah, there are late nights, of course, but I love it, and I’m learning a lot from it.” He continued, “I feel like the education here is top-notch.”

Glass’ advice for fellow veterans looking to pursue higher education is to “go for it. I mean, it’s there for the taking – just take it.” Speaking to affordability, he said, “It’s definitely affordable. You get an associate degree for free, more or less, and the GI Bill even pays for your housing. Reach out to your local VA representative, they know everything.”

Outside of the classroom and work, Glass is a diehard Buckeyes fan. He’s also an outdoorsman. He loves fishing and going camping with his family.