When Patrick MacMahon (SPA ’12) returned to American University as a graduate student, it marked a true full-circle moment. 

More than a decade after earning his bachelor’s degree in Law & Society, the US Navy veteran is back on campus as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) student. He is reconnecting with the community that helped shape his path to military service as he prepares for a new chapter that could take him back to Japan, where he served overseas and fell in love with the culture. 

MacMahon earned his bachelor’s degree from AU’s School of Public Affairs in 2012, completing his studies in just three years. In 2015, he joined the US Navy and served six years on active duty, including four years stationed in Japan. 

“Initially I wanted to return and teach in Japan because I fell in love with the culture and lifestyle,” he says. “I lived an hour away from Tokyo while stationed in Yokosuka, and the trains and public transportation made travel easy and convenient. I made great friends and connections while I was there.” 

Those years in the Navy provided invaluable experiences for MacMahon. “I had a great crew, serving alongside dedicated professionals,” he says. “Some of our notable deployments were escorting the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan through the Taiwan Strait, a ballistic missile defense of Guam, and deterrence patrols in cooperation with our Japanese allies.” 

A Coming Home 

Now, as a graduate student in AU’s TESOL Program, MacMahon says that returning to American University feels like coming home—not only to his alma mater, but to the community that helped launch his Navy career. 

As an undergraduate, he was an active member of AU Vets (now named Military-Connected Club), a chapter of Student Veterans of America that serves AU’s military-connected students. “I got involved with AU Vets as an undergrad,” he says. “I just checked out an event on campus and talked with some of the guys, and we hit it off. I still stay in touch with a few people from the group.” 

Those friendships and mentors played a pivotal role in his decision to join the Navy. “They had a strong impact on my decision to consider military service after graduation,” he says. 

MacMahon feels similarly about his new cohort at AU. “The TESOL graduate program has been a great experience, and I’ve been with a really good group of people,” he says. “I’ve benefited enormously from learning from Dr. Sarah Knowles, Dr. Tabitha Kidwell, and Dr. Polina Vinogradova. Dr. Vinogradova in particular has been a tremendous influence, guiding me through both the professional and cultural aspects of teaching English abroad.” 

Vinogradova says she is thrilled that MacMahon chose AU’s program to pursue his MA in TESOL. “It’s been wonderful having him in my classes, learning about his background, time in the Navy, and interest in Japanese language and culture. I am sure going and teaching English in Japan will be a fulfilling personal and professional experience for him.” 

Looking Ahead 

MacMahon is expected to earn his degree in December and is already looking toward his next chapter—one that may take him back to Japan. 

“Returning to AU was the right decision,” MacMahon says. “It feels as though I’ve come full circle.”