The first day Tracy Santos stepped onto the University of Rhode Island’s campus was the first day of classes, September 2021. Originally from the Bronx, N.Y., she joined the Marine Corps in 2013 at age 17, where she served as a member of a light-attack helicopter squadron, eventually achieving the rank of sergeant. Now, close to 10 years later, Santos ‘24 is president of URI’s Student Veterans Organization and has been named one of 10 student veteran of the year finalists by Student Veterans of America. .