PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Petersburg College has joined some of the most prestigious schools in the nation in having a student veteran chosen for the VFW-SVA legislative fellowship. 

What You Need To Know

SPC veteran student Giancarlo Gonzalez was one of six students nationwide chosen for this fellowship 

Giancarlo hopes that through the fellowship he will have a chance to raise awareness about issues that veterans face

This is the 12th year students could take part in this fellowship

The semester-long fellowship provides those chosen, such as SPC student Giancarlo Gonzalez, with the opportunity to learn from professionals and receive training on how to become veteran advocates. 

Giancarlo served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2012. 

Now, he wants to bring more attention to student veteran issues like housing allowances, issues with the GI Bill not covering certain expenses, and more. 

He sees being chosen for the fellowship as a step in that direction. 

“I didn’t get the Leadership Institute, so I was a little upset about it,” he said. “Everyone in the office is like, oh, don’t worry about it. You’re going to get the fellowship, you’re going to get the fellowship, and a week later, I got the email, and I saw congratulations.”

Trevor McGilvrey, SPC Student Veterans of America Advisor, said his team was thrilled to see Giancarlo chosen, and that being one of just six students selected nationwide shows the kind of person he is.

“Feels like, almost like a David and Goliath type story where, you know, the guy from Harvard, he’s a White House Intern,” he said. “He’s a Navy SEAL. Some of these people are PhDs. Some of these people have ran, you know, they’re directors of military programs at high-level universities.” 

Giancarlo recently got back from his first conference in Washington, D.C. as part of the fellowship. 

He will attend two more, and he has a message that he wants to bring to the forefront.

“Veterans deserve not just to come home, but to thrive as leaders, professionals, and community builders. I’m ready to bring that mission focus, discipline, and passion to Washington.”

This is the 12th year students could take part in this fellowship.