Kirsten Piliste is a third-year law student and president of the MSU College of Law Student Veterans of America. She is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy.
After 20 years in the U.S. Navy, it was time for my last voyage. I was somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean staring into the night. The Big Dipper was more vibrant than I had ever seen on land, with waves lapping at the side of the ship and glowing photoluminescence trailing behind us. What to do next? For some, it can be an overwhelming decision. For me, it was simple: It was time to become a Spartan.
Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a lawyer. My parents said it was because I liked to argue, but the truth is I wanted to defend others and stand up against injustice. That desire only deepened through serving alongside people of every racial, ethnic, gender, religious, sexual orientation and socioeconomic background. So, I applied to Michigan State University College of Law, and my legal journey began.
To say the student body at MSU is impressive is an understatement. I am surrounded by hundreds of brilliant students with legal experience ranging from nonprofit work to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Navigating this new environment is challenging and requires mentorship. When I arrived, I found that mentorship opportunities for veterans were limited, and membership in the Law Student Veterans of America was so low that the organization nearly disbanded after my first year.
Thankfully, the class of 2026 veterans rallied and provided leadership for the upcoming year. I was elected president and proposed a 2025 Veterans Day celebration to law college leadership.
With the full support of the College of Law and enthusiastic participation from several student organizations, the 2025 Veterans Day celebration grew into a weeklong series of events.
Each day offered networking and employment opportunities for students while highlighting the important role veterans play in the legal system. We celebrated Veterans Day with a meal and the sharing of stories, and our community expanded to include active-duty military members, the city of East Lansing and MSU Police.
The event brought students, faculty, staff and alumni together. A slideshow displayed pictures and messages of thanks as attendees were invited to share their own stories of service or of a veteran who shaped their lives.
As my time as a student draws to a close, this will remain one of my most meaningful experiences — a moment when institutions, student organizations and individuals came together as one community.
The diversity and dedication shown throughout these efforts demonstrate MSU’s commitment to supporting veterans for years to come.
So, when I am asked if I am proud to be a Spartan, the answer is simple: Yes — and proud to be part of the Spartan community.
