Jesse Kelley is an inspiring non-traditional student whose journey reflects a deep commitment to serving others. Growing up with a father who was a therapist and clinical social worker, Jesse has always been fascinated by the mental health field. Although life led him on a different route, including a rewarding tenure as a communications intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom, he never lost sight of his dreams. After his military service, Jesse ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully running two businesses.

However, he realized that financial success alone wasn’t enough; he craved a greater sense of purpose. With enthusiasm and a belief that it’s never too late to follow one’s passion, Jesse is now embracing a transformative career change. He’s now reconnecting with his childhood dream of becoming a psychiatrist, dedicating himself to holistic care through psychotherapy and medication. Jesse’s journey is a testament to resilience, and he is eager to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

He enrolled at SPC in the summer of 2024 to pursue an Associate of Arts, setting the stage for his future studies in Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Initially, he thought community college might be easier than university, but he quickly discovered that the classes are both challenging and immensely rewarding. The smaller class sizes and dedicated instructors at SPC provide him invaluable support as he navigates his educational and personal growth. With his sights firmly set on Medical School, Jesse aspires to become a licensed psychiatrist. He’s genuinely excited about this career change, motivated by a strong desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Even though his military service was two decades ago, he credits the military training for giving him the confidence to make this career transition possible. His service in a hostile environment (Afghanistan) gave him confidence and motivated him to expand his mind in more challenging ways. The military also taught him analytical skills, which he believes will help him analyze symptoms and treat patient conditions more effectively in his future psychiatry career.

Jesse works part-time in the SPC Veterans Resource Center and loves helping fellow veterans. He shares that veterans often “feel different” and that the Veterans Center is a great place to feel at home and connect with others who better understand the life experiences that uniquely shape their perspectives. The SPC Veterans Resource Center is on the 3rd floor, and its staff serves veteran students approximately 40 hours a week. Saint Paul College is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon college that offers extensive Veteran Services and resources for its student service members, veterans, and family members.