By Jessica Wang
Special to Campus News
Growing up in Colombia and moving to the United States at a young age, Lucas Agudelo was influenced by his uncle, who served in the Colombian army.
Agudelo followed his uncle’s example, serving in the U.S. Army for six years before starting college at Borough of Manhattan Community College. Last year, he became a Criminal Justice Ph.D. student at the CUNY Graduate Center, where his experiences in the military and as an immigrant shape his studies.
“Seeing my uncle in the Colombian army, his demeanor, and how he carried himself really attracted me to the military lifestyle,” Agudelo said. “He was a role model … I always wanted to be a soldier when I grew up.”
Despite the hurdles presented by his undocumented status upon moving to the United States, Agudelo’s determination to serve his new country and contribute to society remained unshaken. At 24, after navigating through immigration challenges, he found his calling within the ranks of the U.S. Army infantry. There, Agudelo discovered not just a new family but a purpose that would shape his future, he said.
“My service was amazing — very hard but also very rewarding,” Agudelo said. “The discipline and values I learned there, I carry with me today.”
The transition from military life to academia came with its own set of challenges. The sense of identity loss was palpable for Agudelo. Yet, his unwavering resolve led him to focus on another long-held dream: education.
“Leaving the Army was traumatic,” Agudelo said. “You’re losing your identity. But I knew I had to have a plan. I decided to focus on my education, which was a dream I had put on hold.”
He began at Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he earned an associate degree in criminal justice.
“Community college is a fantastic opportunity.” Agudelo said. “It’s where you learn how to learn.”
He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, with honors, and a master’s degree, with distinction, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice before beginning his Ph.D. journey. He attributed much of his academic success to the discipline that the military instilled in him.
He has felt supported at the Graduate Center and noted that the school’s senior registrar, Vincent DeLuca, who is also the veterans affairs certifying official, helped him secure his government funding.
Agudelo intends, ultimately, to work for the government and improve criminal justice policy. “I believe that with a doctoral degree, I can effectively contribute to meaningful change,” he said.
Asked for his advice for current community college students, Agudelo said, “Always see where you want to end up and try to take those classes that are going to meet your core requirements. Stay in community college as long as you can. It’s a lot cheaper. It’s a benefit. Take advantage of it. There are amazing classes, amazing professors.”
Jessica Wang earned her associate degree in business from Queensborough Community College and is now pursuing a marketing major with a minor in law and policy at Baruch College.
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