A Legacy of Service, a Future with Norwich

In my family, I will be the first of my generation to earn a master’s degree. That goal has never been just about me, it’s about carrying forward the sacrifices made by those before me.

I remember my grandfather, a quiet man who often sat apart, deep in thought while the rest of us laughed and bantered. Years later, I learned why. He had always wanted to pursue education but could not, because responsibility to his family came first. Even so, he never gave up on learning. He would sit up late, studying alongside my mother as she pursued her own education. His sacrifice ensured food on the table and a roof over our heads, but his commitment to learning left a lasting mark on me.

That legacy is what fuels my own determination. I could have chosen many schools, but Norwich University stood out. A colleague I respect (a Norwich alumna whose perspective often clashes with mine but who always pushed me to think more deeply) showed me what rigorous debate and intellectual growth look like. I also noticed respected officers I served with pursuing Norwich programs, which spoke volumes about the institution’s credibility. [Fienco served 14 years in the Army before separating as a sergeant (E-5) in 2020. He served four combat tours under the 505th P.I.R., 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division.]

When I began considering my next step, I realized I wanted that same challenge. A place where my ideas would be tested, where I would be pushed, and where I could grow not only as a student but as a leader. The Master of Public Administration program felt like the right path: a bridge to meaningful service in the public sector, whether at the state or federal level.

Today, I’m a full-time student but my classroom extends beyond the screen. I’m traveling internationally while completing the program, exploring other cultures, learning about different infrastructure systems, and comparing them to the United States. This global perspective shapes how I see public service: leadership isn’t just about solving problems at home, but also about understanding the broader context in which our communities and institutions operate.

I believe America’s founding principles of liberty, balance, and civic responsibility are like a compass. They don’t erase our differences, but they give us a way to navigate them. Freedom is not only a gift but a responsibility, and it demands active participation to keep our communities functioning and our government accountable. That sense of duty is what drives me.

I know the commitment it takes to succeed. My military training has already demanded absolute focus and discipline whether in field environments or schools like Jumpmaster, where there is no room for failure. Those experiences gave me the confidence to pursue graduate studies knowing that, with the same intensity and willpower, I can not only meet the standard but exceed it.

Norwich, with its tradition of service and leadership, is the right place for me to carry my family’s legacy forward while preparing to contribute to the nation’s future.