From Cadet to Counselor: Nathan Collins

Nathan Collins is a sophomore accounting major in the Adkerson School of Accounting and a member of the Mississippi National Guard. However, his story at Mississippi State University began 5 years ago when he visited the University for LeaderSTATE, the summer camp where he once was a cadet and now serves as a counselor. 

In 2019, Nathan was a rising sophomore at McLaurin High School, located in rural Rankin County, Mississippi. From the opportunities to learn about STEM and leadership to building bonds with camp counselors and other cadets, the LeaderSTATE experience was a driving factor that still impacts Nathan’s decisions today. 

“My counselor in LeaderSTATE made it a very fun experience. He went all out and taught me a lot. He helped me grow as a leader, even as a rising sophomore. When I heard I could have the opportunity to give that back to more cadets, I jumped at the opportunity. Now, I’m working all 6 weeks to give back what was given to me.” 

Nathan graduated high school in 2022. A product of a military family, he decided to follow in the footsteps of others and went to basic training immediately afterwards. 

“My mom was in the National Guard, serving in the same unit as me until she retired. Both of my grandparents were in the Air Force, and my uncle served in Afghanistan right after 9/11.” 

 That next fall, he felt compelled to return to State as a First-Generation college student, still attracted to aspects of the campus he was first introduced to during LeaderSTATE. He cherished the exposure to academics and career paths that the camp had to offer. 

“We spent a lot of time in the classroom learning about STEM and its industries. We visited local places and got to experience the meteorology lab. The camp exposes cadets to as many STEM topics and industries as possible.” 

Now, as a LeaderSTATE camp counselor, Nathan will share his story with other cadets. Realizing the many conversations to be had surrounding military experience and the transition to college, he offers insight from what some might consider to be the best of both worlds. 

“Do it. Just do it. When you make it through training and become a full-fledged soldier, airman, marine, or sailor, there will be so many opportunities for your career and personal relationships. It’s literally the best decision you can make in life.” 

After graduation, Nathan plans to explore a few different career options including obtaining a pilot license, pursuing a M.S. in accountancy, or enrolling in warrant officer school.  While his military experience and education affords him many opportunities out of state, he chooses to retain his talent at home. 

“A lot of people want to get out of Mississippi, but that’s not for me. I love Mississippi. I love my home. This is where I’m from and I want to do all I can to make it better. Serving our state through the Guard lets me do a better job locally.”