Meet Miami U

Kurtis Fields is currently a sophomore studying Cybersecurity and Networking through Miami University Regionals and has a different experience than the traditional college student. Graduating high school in 2010 and going straight into the Army, Kurtis is a transfer student going back to school to make a better world for his daughter.

What clubs are you involved in?

Focusing primarily on classes, Kurtis doesn’t have a lot of time to be in clubs, but that doesn’t stop him from going to the Trading Card Game Club (TCG) when he has the time. Here, they play board and card games of all sorts, and Kurtis enjoys playing Magic: The Gathering as well as trying new games out. 

“TCG club allowed me to make best friends that have helped me back into college life.”

How did you end up at Miami?

Right after high school, Kurtis joined the Army before attempting to attend college, where he then got deployed. After coming back home, Kurtis didn’t have the mindset to finish college.

“I went along doing what I could,” Kurtis said.

Through many different jobs and traveling around the states, Kurtis ended up in a situation without a job. When working with someone from the unemployment office, the idea of going back to school came up. After learning about  programs that helped veterans go back to school, that’s what Kurtis did; he just had to figure out where to attend.

His father-in-law had worked at Regionals Middletown, “so he’s always talked very highly about Miami.” In addition, Kurtis has a lot of people in his life who either go to Miami or are Miami alum, so he decided, “I want to go to Miami.”

What did the transition back to being a full-time student look like?

“I don’t find my attention span as good as it used to be, I’m so used to multitasking on other stuff; the focus is a little gone, but I’m working on getting better.”

What is your motivation for college?

“The biggest motivation always comes down to making a better life for my daughter. And that way, when she comes of age, if she can look at it and say, ‘Oh, hey, Dad did it in his 30s; I can do it in my 20s,’ I want her to do better than me, as most parents probably do.”

What would you tell someone who is debating going back to school?

“Learn patience, just because it seems daunting now, be patient, and also don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Balancing multiple jobs while continuing his education has been an adjustment. Learning in ways that aren’t always hands-on has challenged him to adapt— and reminded him that progress takes time. Kurtis encourages others to give themselves grace through that process.

He also emphasizes the importance of seeking support. “I hate bothering people for anything,” he admitted. “But there are many people here who want to help.”

“If you’ve met somebody and they say they’re willing to help, reach out to them. The worst case they say is I’m not sure, let me find you somebody else, or I can’t help you, and then at that point, you just move on from there. So flat out, don’t be afraid to talk to somebody and have a little patience is the main thing.”

Is there anything else that you would tell someone about Miami? 

“Knowing and being able to see and interact with so many people from so many different backgrounds, including myself who comes from a small town of 1,400 people and joining the military. I’m meeting students in classes that experienced things that I never did. I mean, I lived halfway around the world, you know, for a portion of my life, and there’s still new experiences I’m finding, and Miami has been a great one.”