Team
Welcome, Grace Perez
Enrollment & Retention Specialist VA Certifying Official
What is your role at Merced College?
I play a key role in supporting student veterans and dependents by helping them successfully transition into and complete Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. I provide guidance on leveraging VA education benefits, including the GI Bill, and ensure that veterans and dependents have the resources and support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.
What part of your job do you enjoy most?
I truly love being a part of our students’ educational journey. Helping them navigate their college experience is both fulfilling and rewarding, from the moment they enter college to the achievement of their academic goals.
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?
I’m a proud wife, mom, and college graduate who understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of higher education. My own educational journey began at Merced College, where I started as a non-traditional student balancing school, family, and work. I later transferred to Fresno Pacific University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree—a milestone that reaffirmed my passion for helping others reach their academic and career goals.
Returning to college as an adult opened my eyes to a whole new side of the student experience. I became acutely aware of the unique obstacles faced by nontraditional students’ feelings of uncertainty, balancing multiple responsibilities, and sometimes feeling out of place among younger classmates. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of support, encouragement, and belonging in education.
What are some of the biggest challenges student veterans face when transitioning from military to college life?
One of the biggest challenges student veterans face when they transition from the military to college is just finding their rhythm again. In the service, everything is structured—you know your mission, your team, and your purpose. College is a completely different world. It can feel a little isolating at first, especially when you’re surrounded by younger students or trying to figure out how to use your GI Bill benefits while juggling family and work.
That’s really where the Veterans Resource Center comes in. We help veterans make sense of the process, from benefits and class registration to finding the right support on and off campus. But more than that, we give them a place to connect. It’s that sense of community and camaraderie that makes the difference. We want every veteran who walks through our doors to feel supported, valued, and confident about their next steps.
What inspires you most about working with student veterans?
Our veterans, their family members, and their accomplishments inspire me to take pride in my work every single day. Being part of their educational journey is the least I can do for those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.
Working with student veterans has taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and understanding. Their resilience and determination remind me why creating a supportive environment matters so deeply. It’s not just about helping them navigate resources or benefits, it’s about honoring their experiences, recognizing their strengths, and ensuring they feel valued and empowered to reach their goals. That perspective shapes everything I do here at Merced College.
Looking back on your time here, what’s a change at Merced College that has shaped the way you do your work?
One of the biggest changes that has shaped the way I do my work is the growing emphasis on community and well-being — not just for students, but for employees as well. I’ve seen a genuine effort from both Administration and my colleagues to create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and heard.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and exploring new places together. Traveling allows me to unwind, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. I’m also a big DIY enthusiast. I enjoy taking on home projects, finding creative ways to improve spaces, and seeing my ideas come to life. It’s both relaxing and rewarding to put my personal touch on things.
