MSM Student Spotlight: Jason Peraza
Jason Peraza is currently studying in the Master of Science in Management (MSM) program at the Warrington College of Business. He shares his experience of being a student and a veteran of the United States military.
Q: What do you remember about the beginning of your time in the military?
Peraza: “The day I enlisted, I remember coming home to my family and telling them the great news! My mother had tears of joy and [worry].
“I attended basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. It was a reality check as soon as you got off the bus. I was clearly out of my comfort zone and challenged in many ways. To this day, I still keep in touch with some of my battle buddies that helped me get through that experience.”
Q: Tell us about your service in the military.
Peraza: “I served the United States Army for four years. I was part of the 82nd Airborne Division. And yes, I was the crazy soldier that decided to jump out of a perfectly good aircraft for fun! During my time in the division, I was a Non-Commissioned Officer that served as the operations manager for the battalion that oversaw over 400 soldiers. Furthermore, I deployed to Afghanistan in the year 2017 and was part of a protection detail for the 4-Star Gen. John W. Nicholson, Jr. and the Honorable Secretary of Defense, James N. Mattis.”
Q: What do you miss about being in service?
Peraza: “The one thing I miss is the brotherhood that I was constantly surrounded [by]. It didn’t matter what tasks or mission we needed to complete for the day; our battle buddies would keep us motivated and entertained.”
Q: Why did you decide to join the MSM program?
Peraza: “I decided to join the MSM program due to the great opportunity this program will present in my current career. My goal is to continue to grow within my current field as a manager, and I strongly believe that the MSM program will provide me with further tools to be a better leader within my career field.”
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?
Peraza: “During my free time, I enjoy traveling to different parts [of] the world. Recently I have been to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Barcelona, Spain. I am currently a regional branch manager at Wells Fargo Bank. Currently, free time is occupied with school and watching Ms Rachel [a children’s educational TV show] with our son, Luca.”
Q: Tell us a cool fact about yourself.
Peraza: “One unique fact about myself is that I am an Irish twin with my sister. I was born on September 1 and my sister was born on August 30. So, for one day, my sister and I are both the same age.”
