Syracuse Sun

Jurgen Baeza, a U.S. Navy veteran, is currently pursuing a degree in computer science at Syracuse University. Originally from San Diego, California, Baeza's journey to Syracuse was not straightforward. He initially attended San Diego State University with interests in political science and television before enlisting in the U.S. Navy to avoid placing financial burdens on his family.

Baeza served as an aviation structural mechanic specializing in safety equipment for the F/A-18 Super Hornet. During his service, he explored coding languages such as Java and Python. "To me, I thought it was like a puzzle to try and solve," he said about his interest in coding.

After nearly seven years of service, Baeza transitioned back to civilian life and enrolled at Syracuse University. He initially faced challenges adapting to college life but found support through the Student Veterans Organization (SVO). "The Student Veterans Organization was very welcoming," he noted.

Baeza has taken on a leadership role within the SVO, serving as secretary on its Executive Board. He encourages other military-connected students to engage with the organization for support and community. "The more students we have involved in our events, the more support we get from the University," he stated.

Looking ahead, Baeza is considering a career in software engineering and exploring master's programs offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science.