July 2, 2012 - UTI-Sacramento student and Army veteran credits experience at UTI with helping him transition to civilian life

Robert Abacan, a student at UTI-Sacramento, is also a student worker with Veteran Affairs.

When UTI-Sacramento student Robert Abacan left the Army last year, he wondered what he should do with his life. After spending more than 10 years in the armed forces, all he knew was life as a member of the U.S. Army.

Coming from a military family, with his father serving in the U.S. Coast Guard for 30 years, and his brother serving in the Navy for 15 years, Abacan wanted to continue the tradition. He was deployed three times, once to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq, and left the Army with the title of Sgt. 1st Class.

After driving and maintaining tanks and trucks in the Army, Abacan wanted to expand his knowledge, and transition from being what he considered an auto mechanic, to an auto technician. He recalled hearing about UTI from one of his high school teachers, and after meeting with a representative, enrolled at the Sacramento campus. Abacan is finding his time at UTI to be fun and informative, filled with good memories.

“UTI is a school that is well-rounded. It demands good work, but doesn’t stress you out doing it,” says Abacan. “The teachers here make learning fun.”

Now that Abacan has a clear path toward what his goals are after the Army, he is helping others realize their goals and adapt to civilian life. As a student worker with Veteran Affairs, Abacan serves as a mentor and sounding board for other veterans.

“When I got out, I knew nothing about civilian life,” recalls Abacan. “The transition from military life scared me, but with the help of fellow vets and UTI teachers, I know it doesn’t have to be.”

To learn more about attending UTI after a military career, visit: http://www.uti.edu/military today.

On Facebook? Visit the UTI-Sacramento Facebook page: www.facebook.com/utisac.