"Back To School" : Military Challenges

2014-05-16T15:42:50-04:00

I've come across many interesting stories in my time helping Veterans. When it comes to going back to school, they're unfortunate.

I thought I'd share a few to bring awareness of some things that need to be corrected:

1. You MUST allow yourself to learn again. Swallow hard, pick up the pencil, take the notes. You're not going to get nowhere in college if you don't make this first step. It's so easy to get frustrated (and I know - Night class graduate here) but you must give yourself time to get back into the mode and disciplines of acadamia.

At Stratford University, this is what I tell my Veterans.

2. If you're going to be in class, then mentally be in class. Between your duties as husbands, wives, whatever rank you are in the military, facebook, instagram, email, message traffic, kids acting up back home, texts, phone calls, duty, haters(they're like the poor..with you always), and the next episode of The Walking Dead or Game of Thrones YOU...ARE...DISTRACTED..EASILY.

It's hard not to be connected,understood. Prioritize your connectivity to what's necesary to what is truly a distraction.

3. Don't come to class angry. Whatever happened at work, square it away with that person or persons. This goes for the ome as well. I gurantee you that you will not be focused if you're angry. There were some conversations about the day's events I wouldn't even have with my wife of 14 years until I got home and even then...I wanted to sleep (lol). Nonetheless, it's about timing folks - don't discuss nothing that's going to upset you or your envioronment before class. You won't get nothing done.

It's your college experience. It's no different than the average college student out of high school. You want your memories. You want the good college experience. Make it happen. It's your time, your money, your future. You owe it to yourself to enjoy this moment in time. You've dedicated your years to following orders, giving orders, and dealing with stuff you probably didn't even agree with.

It's your moment, for reals.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 16 at 2014 5:49 PM

2014-05-16T17:49:06-04:00

Thank you for posting this PO2 Allen, I could not agree with you more. I have been out of the Marines for over 25 years and am about to receive my Associates in general studies. If I could, I could offer some advice, especially to the older veterans.

1. Most of my peers are young enough to be my daughter, in fact My daughter will be a senior this fall. to succeed in college one must change their way of thinking. One of the greatest culture shocks I had to deal with when I entered in college was having peers my daughter's age.
2. I felt like an old man in a kids playground. Not only did I have to get myself in the Academia mode, but I now have to put off stereotypes and deeply rooted and preconceived notions that I have spent a lifetime developing and be open to new ideas and ways.

Response by PO1 Brian Woods made May 17 at 2014 2:41 PM

2014-05-17T14:41:18-04:00

Some people like to watch the Sci-Fi Channel and this may distract them. What would you tell these people?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 27 at 2014 12:09 AM

2014-08-27T00:09:08-04:00

I'm still trying to find a way to return with no GI Bill remaining and no student loans eligibility.....

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 11 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-11-11T10:48:34-05:00

This feels appropriate to me since I'll be 20 years older than the kids I'll be sitting in class with.

Response by SPC Kel Rowland made Nov 18 at 2014 7:57 PM

2014-11-18T19:57:10-05:00

College is as easy as High School, unless you are an idiot...