“I am now able to express my experiences through my art and positively work through them.”

By Anna Raya

By participating in both the Yellow Ribbon and G.I. Bill programs, Otis College has a legacy of supporting veterans pursuing an art and design education. Through the office of Campus Life and the Student Veterans Committee there are several academic and social programs that allow student veterans and their families to make the most of their educational experience. Many of our veteran staff and faculty join them at Vetsgiving and other gatherings, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere. Every year, we spotlight veterans on campus. Read on to hear more from Fine Arts student Matthew Ferreira, Graphic Design student Arturo Weber, and Board Relations Manager Doniell Peters. We thank you and all the veterans at Otis College for your service.

Two images: Matthew Ferreira sitting with his wife and Matthew Ferreira sitting in uniform

Matthew Ferreira, ’26 Fine Arts

United States Coast Guard, E5/Maritime Enforcement Specialist (2017-2022)
Long Beach, CA

How does your experience as a Veteran impact the work you do?
My time in service had its high and low moments, of excitement and life-changing experiences. I am now able to express those experiences through my art and positively work through them. It has also helped me learn how to adapt to any environment, no matter what is going on around me.

How does Otis support you as a veteran?
I started school about a month after getting out of the service. The student counseling services facilitated my transition into school while helping me find balance and belonging in this new learning environment. As well as Otis being a part of the Yellow Ribbon program, it helped relieve any financial stress I was facing.

What’s one thing you wish civilians knew/understood about veterans?
We are just like everyone else.

Two images: Arturo Weber with his children and Arturo Weber with his wife

Arturo Weber, ’26 Graphic Design

United States Marine Corp., Lance Corporal (2005-2009), Purple Heart recipient
Hawthorne, CA

How does your experience as a veteran impact the work you do at Otis?
I feel that my experiences in the military have helped with the stress of the workload that comes with being in school, especially with handling critiques constructively. I also feel that my experience in the Marines gives me a uniquely different approach to the work that I perform at Otis.

What’s one thing you learned as a veteran that comes in handy in your life now?
I would say that as a veteran the ability to work with people from all walks of life and beliefs, as well as the ability to adapt to changes around me, have proven most handy in life in the civilian world. I also believe that sustaining injuries in combat and the recovery process, though still ongoing, has really taught me a great deal about resilience and tenacity.

How does Otis support you as a veteran?
Otis has supported me in that they accept the G.I. Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. On top of that they have a dedicated veterans community program.

What’s one thing you wish civilians knew/understood about veterans?
I know that for me I would want civilians to know that I’m just a normal person like them; I just chose to do a job with the understanding of the risks involved. It's frustrating when people find out I’m a veteran who was injured in combat and then seem to walk on eggshells around me. I also find it frustrating whenever the term hero is used to describe me. I’m just lucky because I’m still alive. The true heroes are those who didn’t make it back.

Two images: Doniell Peters in front of large awning and Doniell Peters military service photo in dress uniform

Doniell Spencer Peters, Board Relations Manager, Office of the President

United States Air Force, Senior Airman (2002-2010)
Watts, CA

How does your experience as a veteran impact the work you do at Otis?
During uncertain times where information is limited and/or confusing, I am thankful to be able to focus on the mission and tasks at hand to get me through.

What's one thing you learned as a veteran that comes in handy in your life now?
Being adaptable is by far my greatest take-away from my service in the Air Force. Change is the only constant in life, and being able to pivot without hesitation is something I lean into as a staff member at Otis College, and in life in general. It's an important life skill.