“Why Not You?” — What Michigan Ross Military Preview Weekend Taught Me

“Why not you?” That question echoed in my head long after the first speaker finished his story at the Ross School of Business Military Preview Weekend. As I sat in the Michigan League ballroom listening to student veterans share their odysseys during VETx, the Ross version of TEDx, one speaker stood out — Brian J. Park. His story of resilience, service, and ambition wasn’t just compelling: it hit home. His message challenged us all: Why not you? Aim high. Go further. Attend a top business school.

That message stuck with me.

I’m Michael Shin, a former Army Infantry Officer and proud veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment and The Old Guard. When I arrived in Ann Arbor for MPW last November, I expected a helpful info session and maybe a campus tour. What I experienced instead was a welcoming, tight-knit veteran community that made me feel like I already belonged at Ross.

From day one, the members of the Ross Armed Forces Association went above and beyond. Whether they were talking me through their application experience, sharing their own transition stories, or helping me navigate my post-military career goals, every veteran I met offered more than just advice; they offered genuine support. It was clear that Ross wasn’t just a business school with veterans. It was a business school for veterans.

A highlight of MPW was the classroom experience. Ross tailored a mock class specifically for veterans, showing how the faculty understands the strengths we bring from service and how they can help us build on them. We also toured campus and directly engaged with the admissions team, who were professional, informative, and genuinely excited to meet us and hear our stories.

So, after VETx, I introduced myself to Brian. We quickly realized we had overlapping paths: similar military backgrounds and shared aspirations. What started as a handshake turned into an ongoing friendship and mentorship that continues today. That moment was a microcosm of what makes Ross different: the connections are real, the support is constant, and no one lets you walk your path alone.

In short, MPW wasn’t just a weekend; it was the first page in a new chapter. It gave me the confidence to say, “Why not me?” and ultimately led me to accept my offer to join the Ross Full-Time MBA Class of 2027.

If you’re an active-duty service member or veteran thinking about attending a top business school, I can’t recommend Michigan Ross Military Preview Weekend highly enough. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the program, meaningful connections with fellow veterans, and most importantly, the belief that you belong here.

Because the only question left to ask is: Why not you?