Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 10: Boots to Books: Finishing Strong with Ehsan Jamshidi

Host Nathan James sits down with Marine veteran and UMGC alumnus, Ehsan Jamshidi to trace a journey that begins in Afghanistan and evolves into a life of service, study, and purpose in the United States. Ehsan shares how his mother’s sacrifice and the challenge of learning English shaped his mindset, why the Marine Corps Embassy Security Program became a proving ground, and how discipline, attention to detail, and gratitude guided each decision along the way.He recounts the 2021 Kabul evacuation turning personal when his own family needed a way out, then describes rebuilding after medical retirement, transitioning into a Department of Defense role, and finishing both a bachelor’s and a master’s with top grades. The conversation highlights practical lessons for veterans and adult learners, why it's important to use every resource, keep your network active, and move forward with steady routines that compound over time. His incredible story of perseverance and his commitment to excellence in the classroom earned him the 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the Year award. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable.Host: Nathan JamesGuest: Ehsan Jamshidi, Marine veteran and 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the YearTime Stamps: 00:00 Kabul crisis response01:11 New country start04:24 Mother fuels grit07:23 Choosing purposeful service11:28 Embassy duty momentum14:46 Family rescue mission19:01 Medical setback reset23:28 Defense career pivot27:11 Degrees driving gratitude31:09 Forward focused advice