Each year, Claims Magazine awards an academic scholarship to a student at the Katie School of Insurance and Financial Services at Illinois State University. The program prepares its students for careers in insurance and risk management through on-the-job learning opportunities and internships.

This year's award recipient is no stranger to the limelight. In fact, Brandon Nicol claimed the prize in 2008. Since then, he has had a life-altering experience — deployment to Afghanistan — and recently spoke again with Claims to discuss his tenure at Katie, plans for the future, and the transfiguring experiences that have given him a fresh perspective on life.

Can you tell us about your service and experience in Afghanistan? Has that changed the way you look at insurance or life here in the United States in general?

Afghanistan was an amazing experience. When I was over there I didn't think it was as amazing, because I was away from my family and friends, and I was in a dangerous environment. Now looking back, it was amazing, we helped the women, children, and elderly by giving them clothes, food, toys, shoes, and numerous of other items to help out in the daily life.

I learned to appreciate what I have in the United States. Also, all you hear about in the news are the bad things that happen in Afghanistan. What you don't hear is all of the schools we are helping build, the water systems that we are providing, the hospitals we are running, and so on. We really are liked over there, and the citizens of Afghanistan are safer with us there.

Would you relay some memorable moments at Katie school and how the program has enriched your life?

The most memorable moment of being involved with the Katie School was when I went to RIMS 2008 in San Diego, Calif. It afforded me the opportunity to network with a lot of people, including one of the staff members from Claims Magazine, and I learned a lot of industry information. During my trip, I was also able to do community service at a local San Diego elementary school.

Your resume indicates that you are a director of volunteer efforts for Gamma Iota Sigma. What sort of activities have you been involved in?

I was a director of volunteer efforts back in 2008. Then I was deployed to Afghanistan and since coming back, I haven't been an officer. However, when I was an officer, I was in charge of scheduling volunteering activities. For example, I coordinated a Habitat for Humanity job where we went out and helped put together a house for the less fortunate.

What is the next step for you after graduation?

I currently work at State Farm, so after graduation I would like to get a job in underwriting. I am starting to work on my CPCU, and I might even go back to Illinois State University for my MBA. My long-term goal is to become a State Farm agent.

Special Reports /

Speaking Of: Academic Excellence

Related Stories

Recommended For You