From Hopeful to Ready: Joshua Osmin’s First NatCon Experience
At Student Veterans of America, we believe in the power of connection, community, and opportunity, and there’s no place where that spirit shines brighter than at our National Conference (NatCon). For Joshua Osmin, a 37-year-old veteran, online student at Florida State University, and proud father of three, NatCon was more than just an event, it was a turning point.
Like many attendees, Joshua arrived at NatCon with hope. Hope for clarity in his career path, access to resources, and the chance to connect with others who share his journey. What he found was an experience that exceeded every expectation.
On the very first day, a representative from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) approached Joshua and asked if he had any disability claims filed. That simple question set off a chain of support. Joshua was introduced to the VA assistance tables, where the team discovered that his previously denied claim had been misfiled. They immediately refiled it correctly as a review and added his PTSD claim. The next day, Joshua was seen by a QTC provider who verified the PTSD diagnosis. By January 31, his claim had already reached step five out of eight.
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Beyond benefits assistance, Joshua found something equally powerful: community. As an online student, he admitted that it can be difficult to find connection, but at NatCon, that changed.
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From engaging with vendors to laughing during icebreakers (even the “mandatory fun” activities brought people together), Joshua made meaningful connections. He also took advantage of the professional development opportunities, including free LinkedIn headshots, one of which now proudly sits on his profile.
One particularly impactful connection came through meeting Awilda Carozza, the Chapter Success Coach for his region at that time. Awilda worked closely with Joshua throughout the weekend, offering personalized resume advice, connecting him with potential employers, and continuing to support him after the event.
While Joshua didn’t find a job in his specific field of interest, anti-trafficking work, he left with something just as valuable: confidence.
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As we announced that NatCon will return to the same location next year, Joshua said it best, “I’m already counting down the days.”
To Joshua, and to every student veteran who joined us this year, thank you for being part of the SVA community. And to our partners, volunteers, and staff who made moments like this possible, your work matters more than you know.
NatCon is more than a conference. It’s a launchpad, and stories like Joshua’s are proof of what’s possible when veterans come together.
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