Military veteran and KSU senior Richard Sisk was nothing short of surprised after receiving an internship from Turner Sports on national television., Sisk and his wife, Angela appeared on Morning Express with Robin Meade on Oct. 17. The daily news show aired on the HLN network. Sisk was honored for his service and courage to transition back into student life.
“I was totally shocked. I didn’t really know what to say other than thank you. I felt overwhelmed, appreciative, blessed and honestly undeserving,” said the 26-year- old Sports Management and Communication major. “There are a lot of hardworking people out there, in this school, and I know that this is a huge break.”
In addition to the internship with Turner Sports, Sisk and his wife, who are expecting a baby boy in March, also received a gift certificate for $700, baby bedding and a crib from Carousel Designs.
A native of Pascagoula, Miss., Sisk joined the military when he was 17-years-old. The attacks of Sept. 11 inspired Sisk to make a difference and, he enlisted into the army as an infantryman where he served for four years. After receiving medical discharge in 2008 due to a re-occurring ankle injury, Sisk enrolled in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier, Miss., before transferring to KSU in summer 2010.
“I had a combination of feelings,” said Sisk on transitioning back to student life. “Excited, anxious, glad, scared, motivated, I mean you name it, I was probably feeling it. It wasn’t easy.”
After becoming accustomed to the military lifestyle, Sisk worried that he would not be able to successfully advance through college life. His biggest support came from KSU’s Veterans Resource Center where he has worked since September 2010. The program’s goal is to help veterans transition and progress through college.
“I just hope that this whole experience can be used as a tool to help or show other veterans that anything is possible,” said Sisk. “If you put your faith in God and are willing to try, you can be successful.”
Sisk will begin his internship with Turner Sports in summer 2013.
