MyUMUC Military Story

David Simmons Pays It Forward by Helping Others Through G.O.E.S.

By Julie Epstein

When David Simmons, Electronics Technician 3rd Class (ET3) for the Coast Guard, arrived on base in Baltimore, Maryland in 2007, he didn’t have immediate plans to pursue his bachelor’s degree. However, an encounter with an enthusiastic UMUC student would change all that. Now, Simmons is not only a UMUC student, but a volunteer for a student-run organization, G.O.E.S., where he encourages other members of the Coast Guard to pursue their educational goals at UMUC.

“I chose UMUC because of the information passed to me through a fellow ‘Coastie,’”says Simmons. That student was G.O.E.S. founder Charles Garnett. “[Charles] told me if I was really interested in attending UMUC, that he would always be available for tutoring if I needed it—and he kept his word.”

Encouraged by Garnett, Simmons is now pursuing a major in Computer Studies and a minor in Psychology. “So far, my UMUC experience has been great,” says Simmons. “I have started my academic career with an 'A.' I think the degree and skills I earn at UMUC will make me more of an asset to the Coast Guard, and more desirable as an employee in future careers.” He notes that his degree in computer studies will come in handy, as technology is more and more prevalent in the workforce. He also says that he chose to minor in psychology to help him better understand the needs of others. “I’ve always been a person that wanted to help,” says Simmons. “If I know what people are thinking, I can better help them.”

Now Simmons is a member of Garnett’s student-run group, providing support to incoming and continuing students. Simmons says that he wants to help others by informing them of UMUC’s degree plans, convenience and accreditations, all of which he believes are the most important aspects of a quality education.

“I got into G.O.E.S. from an idea of Charles', which is to help others who are now in the same position I was in,” says Simmons. He adds that he wants to “set others up for success.”

As for his own career and future, Simmons plans to finish his bachelor’s degree and then pursue his master’s while possibly serving one more enlistment. However, Simmons remains open to what the future brings.

“I’ve always thought of being a coach and teacher in the future, but I know that it all comes one thing at a time,” said Simmons. “As my dad tells me, ‘young man, you still have a lot to learn.’

By the looks of it, he’ll have a lot to teach as well.