Setting Your Sights High: U.S. Space Force Veteran Graduates from GS

Hailing from Cape Coral, Florida, political science major Brian Leal '25GS is the first U.S. Space Force veteran to graduate from Columbia GS! As he prepares to start an MBA Program at the University of Miami this fall, he shares his journey from the skies to Columbia’s morningside campus, and how his ambitions to serve and create meaningful change have never faltered, only evolved in exciting ways. 

Tell us about your path to GS.

My path to GS had its fair share of twists and turns. As a first-generation American, I felt I had a duty to serve the country that had given my family so much. With dreams of becoming an astronaut, I pursued a degree in aerospace engineering and set my sights on a pilot slot through the Air Force ROTC. However, over time, I realized something wasn’t aligning. I stepped away and moved to Boulder, Colorado, to reflect and recalibrate.

Eventually, I returned to Florida and decided to take a chance on a long-standing creative passion of mine by beginning my own photography business. It was fulfilling work, but the call to serve never left me. That pull ultimately led me to enlist in the U.S. Space Force as a space systems operator, where I provided space-based missile warnings to our troops and our allies. This gave me a new sense of purpose, ultimately bringing me to the School of General Studies.

What has been your proudest accomplishment at Columbia?

After adjusting to civilian life for a few semesters, making the Dean’s List was a proud and affirming moment for me. It might not seem like the most significant achievement on paper, but it was evidence that I was committed to my studies and putting forth my best effort.

What was a memorable class you took at Columbia?

During my time in the service, I developed a deep interest in international relations and how nations interact on the global stage. In my first semester at Columbia, I took Chinese Foreign Relations with Professor Thomas Christensen. That course was a turning point for me. It challenged me intellectually and made clear the importance of academic engagement. It was the moment I realized that committing fully to my studies could one day translate into real impact in the world.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After completing classes [in February], I spent a few months traveling through South America and visiting several places in Patagonia. It's hard to put into words how meaningful this experience was for me! Now that I've returned, I'm preparing for an MBA program at the University of Miami this fall.

What advice would you give to a student who's about to start their GS journey?

Embrace the community that GS offers. You’ll find people from all walks of life who are driven, curious, and resilient. Get involved on campus, join organizations, connect with your classmates, and build relationships with your professors. The more you invest in the people around you, the more meaningful and transformative your time here will be.