The Kids Are Back in School, Why Aren’t You?

SGT Shontae Patsaricas — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:07:48 -0400

(Image courtesy of American Military University.)

Summer is over and the kids are back in school. Is the timing right for you too? Whether you’re a military spouse, currently serving or a veteran—many military parents take advantage of this newfound time to focus on individual goals when school is back in session. For many, completing a degree implies more opportunities. Based on my career serving as a former senior admissions representative, recently promoted to Veteran Liaison, serving American Military University (AMU) students, there are five guidelines I’ve defined for students looking to return back to school.

Make your education fit into your hectic schedule:

Time management is a key component to success as a student, online or traditional. Since most online learning is asynchronous, students have the option of fitting education into their schedule. This means you can learn 24/7 using your mobile device or computer and complete your weekly assignments based on a schedule you choose that fits your busy life. This enables you to log in to complete your classroom discussions, writing assignments, and tests at your optimal time of day. This flexibility is incredibly empowering whether you’re an on-the-go spouse or deployed military.

Maximize military experience for additional credits:

No matter where you decide to attend, be sure that the school offers military transcript evaluations. I encourage you to work with your college advisors to explore all of your options. AMU provides and Transfer Credit Evaluation and Prior Learning Assessment programs to help you get the credit you’ve earned through your military training, job experience, or other learning outside of the traditional classroom. You can also optimize your credits by choosing a program that closely relates to your military background like criminal justice, cybersecurity (IT), intelligence studies or homeland security, among many others options.

Educate yourself on your financial aid options:

There are many options to choose from including military Tuition Assistance (if Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve), Veteran’s Benefits, Federal Student Aid, Employer Benefits, as well as self-pay. It’s important that you work with a respected, affordable university that understands military life so that you’re able to maximize the benefits you and your family have earned.

Find and connect with other military-community students while you study:

Social media communities are a great way to connect with fellow students online. These groups are a great way to see motivational student success stories, school announcements, and are an open environment to ask questions and get feedback from students and alumni. AMU has a major presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and RallyPoint – just to name a few. We utilize these channels to connect with our students at a deeper level, and find it’s a great way to communicate with them. If you’re currently serving, you can locate one of our many Military Outreach Representatives near your local military installation. Don’t be afraid to network because there are many people out there who are eager to help you with your educational goals.

You’ll always have a strong support network.

Get Started:

Research the programs that are of interest to you. Every school has their own set of requirements, and you’ll want to make sure that it’s accredited. Also ensure that they have accommodating features to your military career, and shift in priorities. If you’re ready to take the next step with AMU, I invite you to contact me or a member our helpful admissions team at [login to see] . You can also apply now online at http://rly.pt/2kisjJY .

There is no better time than today to think about your educational goals and what school would be a good fit for you. Whether you are state-side, currently deployed, or transitioning to your post-military career, know that there are options available if you’re serious about seeking a degree and a peer community online.

If you have any specific questions, please comment here.

AMU Military Degrees: Educating Those Who Serve | American Military University

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Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 29 at 2015 10:09 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:09:49 -0400

Reminds me of the Who song SGT Shontae Patsaricas the Kids Are All Right.
Hopefully many who are young will take advantage of opportunities to return to school and both benefit from education and help their classmates by sharing what they have learned in the field.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 29 at 2015 10:51 AM

CDR Terry Boles — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:51:22 -0400

I really believe education is the key to life's successes. Education affords one much more than a good job/income but also opens ones eyes to the world around them, matures the immature, and educates those who saw little value in education.

I am thankful every day that I had someone believe in me and push me back to college when I was closing in on a military retirement. I took the chance and got off active duty, earned a professional degree, resumed my military career as an officer which has afforded me a better retirement. My girlfriend then, now wife, saw something in this ole Seabee now physical therapist.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 29 at 2015 11:05 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 11:05:34 -0400

I am, and it is a pain in the (insert expletive here). Will be over soon...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 11:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 11:40:20 -0400

As of right now, I am awaiting 2 classes to start next week

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 29 at 2015 12:18 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 12:18:44 -0400

A diploma may help you get a job, but it won't help you keep it or grow in it. That takes skills. Inasmuch as the skills needed in the job market today are evolving faster than ever before everyone needs to be working on developing the ones they have and acquiring new ones every day. That's equally true in the military and the civilian world.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Sep 29 at 2015 1:40 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:40:41 -0400

Great piece SGT Shontae Patsaricas! I've heard the importance of networking already touched on here. I can't reiterate this enough when it comes to going through higher ed programs. I had a few active duty colleagues really help me through some of the hard material and organization I needed to complete a degree while working full-time in the Air Force. Just having someone there to hit the high points of things you should be focusing on is huge. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to admissions staffs, professors, and career counselors. They are invaluable resources.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Sep 29 at 2015 9:28 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 21:28:46 -0400

Proud (RECENT) VA Chapter 31 (Voc Rehab) Grad. 2nd Bachelors degree!!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 12:24 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 00:24:01 -0400

Excellent post! I worked full time and was able to obtain my degree in five and a half years. My degree opened the doors to the career that I wanted. The G.I. Bill is the best benefit that comes from serving. Active duty personnel and veterans have distinct advantages over civilians attending college. These advantages are discipline, drive, and the ability to focus on the tasks at hand to accomplish the assigned tasks. College can be challenging at times, but it is also fun and richly rewarding.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 10:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 10:57:19 -0400

I have my admissions interview for Grad school next week - hopefully all goes well.

Response by SN Alex Tufail made Oct 1 at 2015 1:04 AM

SN Alex Tufail — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 01:04:46 -0400

I am so glad I finally found a program that I will excel in. I don't agree 100% with the Education system in place, but I do think attending college is good just to gain knowledge on a more scholastic level. I have seen my intellectual self grow and shape to become someone who enjoys deep, and mindful conversation as well as meaningful and thoughtful interactions in my everyday life. College was awesome and terrible all at the same time, but overall I'm really glad to be working on my degree. I don't plan on "using" the degree for work or anything like that. I just want it as another milestone that I have accomplished and as a tool to better enhance myself as a human in a developing society and culture.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 1 at 2015 2:08 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 02:08:35 -0400

SGT Shontae Patsaricas I'm busy running a business. I do have. 2 Master's Degrees. Does that count?

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Oct 1 at 2015 8:53 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 08:53:54 -0400

I don't think there has ever been a time where I'm not in school. It's pretty interesting. I just enjoy taking classes and learning.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Oct 1 at 2015 9:57 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 21:57:52 -0400

Because it is time to retire!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 1 at 2015 10:27 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 22:27:05 -0400

Once you care enough to enroll, it would be a shame to not get a grade for the class! I got my AA when I was 42, drive on!

Response by Capt Craig Gilman made Oct 26 at 2015 10:35 AM

Capt Craig Gilman — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 10:35:32 -0400

At this point, unless you are a recent high school graduate that wants the experience of leaving the nest and striking out on your own in the fun and structure of a major traditional campus-based university, there is no reason to continue to think in terms of restricted semester starts or application deadlines. This is "old" school. I find the freedom of scheduling and the self-empowerment of the learner in the online classroom best suits my needs as a working, adult student.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Oct 26 at 2015 1:03 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 13:03:30 -0400

Well Shontae,
I just graduated with my BA last May and so the reason I am not in school now for a graduate degree is because I don't know how I am going to pay for it. I used my G.I Bill, Post 9/11 for my current education.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 5:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 17:25:08 -0500

My mind is not the same, im too damn angry all the time and cant focus.

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Aug 15 at 2019 11:50 AM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 11:50:35 -0400

I am!