Posted on Feb 26, 2017
SGT Writer
5.52K
11
16
1
1
0
We have SVA chapters that (hopefully) support each other. Colleges have fraternities and sororities. Is that normally enough?
Avatar feed
Responses: 3
PO2 Kayla Modschiedler
2
2
0
The university I attend, Otterbein, makes the students get 5 "cards" to develop character and give back to society. These cards are obtained by doing community service and helping others in various ways. Veterans who attend don't have to get the 5 cards because they consider military service as the ultimate community service, which is cool because this school is a liberal arts college that is very liberal. The veterans who go there are kind of helpful but there is no SVA at our actual school it's very casual. Around here its a cultural of don't intrude on someone else's life, which is kind of bad because bad things are happening because of that. One of the big universities here is totally into it just for the money and they really could care less about the students Honestly it's up to you to personally develop yourself and others. One of the biggest things I try and do is stress to some of these college kids is how good they have it. I tell them stories about how bad it can be and of my experiences in the military especially after 9/11. A lot of them have had helicopter parents and freak out over the littlest things. I drive Uber and I actually had a girl nearly have a panic attack because she was going out, she was starting to freak me out. It's really alarming how unmotivated the students at other universities in the area are when it comes to getting involved in their communities and politics and other areas of concern regarding the country.
(2)
Comment
(0)
SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
All should know personal development is a personal responsibility. However, it always helps to have some type of guidance and bit of resources so you're not shooting in the dark.

Why has no one tried to start up a SVA chapter?

Also, that 5 cards thing sounds pretty cool. Can you tell any more about it or send me direct info about it? It could be something useful for our SVO.
(0)
Reply
(0)
PO2 Kayla Modschiedler
PO2 Kayla Modschiedler
>1 y
here is the link: http://www.otterbein.edu/public/Academics/FiveCardinalExperiences/cards.aspx

I think the reason why is unfortunately the vets at our school are a small number and everyone lives at home and has families or jobs etc. We do usually eat lunch together, Otterbein is wonderful for having opportunities for us to get together for a thing every once in awhile. Usually Veterans Day. We did have a problem with a veteran who was doing some stolen valor stuff and we had to nip that in the bud.
(0)
Reply
(0)
PO2 Kayla Modschiedler
PO2 Kayla Modschiedler
>1 y
I forgot to mention I thought college was going to be fairly easy. Hahah WRONG!! Lol
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Kevin B.
2
2
0
Edited >1 y ago
At my current university (I'm leaving this summer to join a new university), we have a good mix of initiatives. We have "academic advisors" who are more short-term focused (i.e. while you are in college) on ensuring you are taking the right classes at the right time to progress towards graduation. We also have "faculty mentors" who are more long-term focused (i.e. post-college) on helping you use your time at the university wisely. Their goal is to prepare you for the workforce (thinking about career paths, providing career advising, helping find internships, looking for volunteering opportunities, helping find the right professional organizations, etc.). They are also charged with keeping those lines of communication open after you graduate. I will admit those people, particularly the faculty, do vary with their levels of expertise and/or interest. Those resources are for all students. Regarding veterans specifically, we do have a student veterans organization. We also have a university-level task force that focuses on helping integrate student veterans into the university, and then ensuring their success while they are at the university. The task force draws from faculty (from across the campus), admissions, student services, financial aid, alumni, etc., and even gives student veterans a seat at the table. We could do more though.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
COL Charles Williams
1
1
0
Honestly, in my experience as a student and a parent, all they care about is getting paid... SGT (Join to see)
(1)
Comment
(0)
COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
>1 y
(1)
Reply
(0)
COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
>1 y
(1)
Reply
(0)
COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
>1 y
(1)
Reply
(0)
SGT Writer
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
COL Charles Williams - That first article was mostly polls instead of challenging anything.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close