Reader’s Note: Based on the millions of views and outpouring of attention UTulsa student-veteran Landon Waters received after presenting “Veteran Integration Through Education” at TEDx UTulsa 2024, we’ve asked him to reflect on the past year.
Listen to his entire TEDx Talk here, which is No. 18 on the list of Most Watched TEDx Talks on YouTube in 2024. Waters is working on his master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology and is a leader in UTulsa’s chapter of Student Veterans of America.
By Landon Waters
Standing on the TEDx stage was a defining moment for me, but what I didn’t fully grasp at the time was just how much that moment would shape the year ahead. Preparing for my talk, “Veteran Integration Through Education,” was a deep, personal process. It required me to distill years of experience — military service, transition struggles, and the pursuit of education into a message that could resonate beyond just the veteran community. It wasn’t about storytelling, it was about creating understanding, fostering connection, and ultimately, driving action.
The preparation itself was rigorous. I dedicated portions of each day refining my message, rehearsing delivery, and making sure that every word served a purpose. I utilized my background in I/O psychology and my experience mentoring others in various occupations.
“Standing on a stage alone, I was representing not just myself, but every veteran who has faced the complexities of transitioning from service to student.”
It was a privilege, and I didn’t want any setback to deter me. When I finally delivered the talk, veteran empowerment was at the heart of my message, and the response was overwhelming.
In the months since, the impact has been greater than I ever imagined. Being featured in Innovator Magazine alongside thought leaders like Simon Sinek was humbling. Then, being recognized among the Top 50 TEDx Talks of 2024 as No. 18 cemented the realization that this message mattered. Beyond exposure, the real reward has been the opportunities to engage with others.
Much of my work has centered on my role with Student Veterans of America (SVA) at The University of Tulsa. As the previous director of community engagement, I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to have resources like the Calvin C. McKee Veteran Success Center. UTulsa has not only supported me in my academic journey but has also given me a platform to advocate for other veterans. The McKee Center provides mentorship, networking, and essential resources that make all the difference in a veteran’s transition from military to student life and beyond.
This past year has been about more than just a talk, it’s been about action. It’s about using the momentum to drive meaningful change, ensuring that veterans don’t just integrate but thrive. If my TEDx talk was a spark, then the work we’re doing at UTulsa and through SVA is the wildfire that keeps the mission alive.
Landon Waters is a Student Veterans Association Leadership Fellow at The University of Tulsa and has recently published the book “From Red Dot to the Red Circle” now available on Amazon.