What are the most difficult things about going back to school at a later age?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 17:52:41 -0400

I am about to start going back to school here in August. I will be 28 When the semester starts and depending on how my military experience and training translates into credits I may or may not be a sophomore. What are some of the more difficult things that everyone has been through as you began going back to school, especially if you were 10+ years older than the other students?

NOTE: THIS QUESTION IS YEARS OLD AT THIS POINT. I GRADUATED IN MAY 2019 AND SUBSEQUENTLY MOVED ON TO GRADUATE SCHOOL.

NEWER NOTE: I FINISHED MY MASTER'S IN 2020.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2017 5:57 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 17:57:49 -0400

SGT Joseph Gunderson I started college at 22 and was apprehensive about being rusty and four years older than the other students. I found that my discipline and maturity level put me head and shoulders above most of the younger students. At age 62, I went back to college for real estate classes. Again, my discipline made me excel. Being older is not a problem.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2017 6:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 18:06:09 -0400

I want to be too lazy but I wrote these two posts for others in the same situation.

First thing I'd say is submit your JST and VMET.

The second is to embrace being the typical older student that asks too many questions. Ask before, during, and after class. You'll get more out of it and it helps with networking.

Lastly, for now, I'd suggest you get involved with the community. Start with your local SVA chapter. If there isn't one, consider starting it.

https://jtspratley.com/blog/five-extremes-with-the-post-911-gi-bill
https://jtspratley.com/blog/from-the-military-to-college

Five Extremes with the Post 9/11 GI Bill

JtSpratley.com is the hub for music, videos, podcasts, and Go Live Lively blogs by Jacqueem Jt Spratley. Read about IT, cybersecurity, and free open source software (FOSS).

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Jun 17 at 2017 9:51 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 21:51:44 -0400

At 24, I wasn't quite ten years older when I started college. Aside from just having got out of the Army and having lived under that mindset, the age difference made me feel quite disconnected from most of my peers. I generally felt as if I was pretty well surrounded by children most days. That aside, being further along in life helped me with the discipline to knuckle down and get my learning & work accomplished - along with having the gumption to go to class full time and work on the side.

One of my big concerns was being rusty, but I picked most everything up relatively quickly... except for math. I struggled through most of that simply because I'm not good at wrapping my mind around something I can't put my hands on.

Overall I noticed that myself and several others who were "nontraditional students" tended to fare better than our younger peers, largely due to self-discipline & more "background" knowledge & experience concerning the world at large.

Response by PO1 Robert Black made Jun 17 at 2017 10:14 PM

PO1 Robert Black — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 22:14:38 -0400

I was 26 and had eight years in when I did it. The Bad: The shock of having to take remedial classes. Taking months before students find out you're really not staff or undercover. If you go to work for campus police part time just live with it. lol If you were super social in high school get ready to find out what it was like to be a geek. Now the good part. If you are there to really learn it is so awesome it's beyond description. Now that I think about it, it is a lot like the military with out a lof of the support. The traditions et.. You have parents there with the freshmen who a lot of them are in shock of leaving home and you spend days doing all the paperwork and taking tests. The downside instead of just maybe a few months of having to pass tests and school you have a few years but I was so glad to be accepted and escape the military I wasn't going to let anything stop me except my academic abilities.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jun 18 at 2017 12:02 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:02:58 -0400

Depending on what career you choose, if you want to stay employed your education never ends. I am in a college classroom at age 54 via continuing education. I could care less what others think because college courses in IT mean an additional 15-20,000 a year in pay. But I will pass this onto you. I took some ROTC courses after my Active Duty stint. Mixed bag there, some of the students were hopelessly naive about military service......others were OK though. Good Luck in college, your not really that old though and you will find other students your age or older.

Response by Aaron Rhodes made Jun 18 at 2017 12:25 AM

Aaron Rhodes — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:25:11 -0400

Honestly, I agree with most of what has been said here. I was 26 when I started college, had just gotten married, and nine months later, had a baby on the way. I went to Central Washington University, which has excellent AFROTC and AROTC programs, a good flight program, and a few other okay areas of study, but by and large is known as a very liberal school where most kids come to party and drink away four years on Daddy's dime before leaving with a Liberal Arts Degree because that is all they qualified for. Then, they get thrown out into the "real world" with no skills, no real education, and no direction in their life.

I had to be different. I had a family to support (working almost full time while going to school too) I was paying for everything myself, and I knew I could not fail. So, I was more dedicated, more focused, and more able to concentrate. Plus, I had a wonderful wife to lean on for support. Lessons in life helped me along the way. I knew exactly what I wanted to major in, and I was able to get my GenEds out of the way early and start right in. Plus, there were a LOT of non-traditional students at Central ...Many of them Vets. I became friends with several of them, and they too helped me maintain my focus and discipline.

In order to not deceive anyone, I want to be upfront here and say that I am not a vet myself. I wanted to serve from a young age, but have had disqualifying medical issues my entire life, and despite applying multiple times to multiple services, was not accepted. However, my Dad served, and I've been around the Military my entire life, and know "the life" you guys lead, and know many of the things you guys go through. I believe that my experiences in this instance are relevant to the OP's question. I hope I am correct.

Response by SPC Sean Slaughter made Jun 18 at 2017 2:13 AM

SPC Sean Slaughter — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 02:13:27 -0400

You will feel like Billy Madison in kindergarten no bullshit. Get ready for professors and other students who both have no life skills outside of a classroom and who will piss you off. Get ready for proselytizing regarding politics and if you have a differing opinion(which many of us vets do) to suffer for it. Honestly the only good educational experiences I've had were both at Catholic universities because of politics. I am pretty much a libertarian cause I think government needs to stay out of people's lives for the most part; however I have liberal leaning when it comes to aiding the elderly, children and the severely injured/ill, but I am also super conservative fiscally. I tried going to a liberal arts college and left before one semester and ended up owing like $7k to the VA cause it was either that or kill some people!

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 19 at 2017 12:16 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 12:16:58 -0400

It took me a dozen years to work my way through college and get my Undergraduate degree(s), so after a while I gained experience with being older than my peers-this was prior to enlisting BTW. I have since gone back to school for an MBA, and while I am probably a standard deviation above the average age, they too are older students and professional individuals. For that I am glad, because if I had to go undergrad school with today's kids, I doubt I'd last too long...or they wouldn't!

I will say that even on the graduate side of the schoolhouse, I have noticed things are different from when I was an undergrad. Obviously technology and it's integration has greatly changed since 2003, the year I graduated from college. And I have noticed some methodology changes to education. Back when I was an undergrad, while you might occasionally be doing group work, most learning and assignments were individually based. Today it's the opposite, and nearly everything is about working within a group dynamic. Such a heavy emphasis on group work is not something I am enthusiastic about, and it requires getting accustomed to. For me, that has been the most difficult.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 1:43 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:43:54 -0400

I served 4 years in the Army and was 25 before I went to college for my undergraduate degree. I found that many of the professors used me as a sounding board for work because of my experiences. 18-22 year olds whine a lot and about everything. I typically tried to knock out the work without to much complaining but when I did, many of the professors would listen and change or lighten the work load.

Many of your fellow students drink the liberal Kool-Aid and will question you on your decisions to serve. Be honest and frank in your explanations. Many haven't developed their own opinions rather they regurgitate what they here. This is your opportunity to teach classmates about the military and have them make their own decisions.

Quite a few of your classmates will look up to you because of your service but will ask a lot of inappropriate questions because they don't know any better, i.e. How many people have you killed? I recommend that you answer honestly and explain that is not always appropriate to ask such questions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 2:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 14:38:13 -0400

I say I'm a perpetual student, always taking classes, sometimes a break, and then taking some other classes. There are a lot of non-traditional students these days. You're likely to be more serious about your educational goals than those that went into college right after high school. You'll find you may associate or have some things in common, but you'll have your world and they have theirs. Be social but be yourself and don't feel the need to fit in. Some are people you'll only have that one class with and never see again. Anyone who is in the same degree path as you, you may see and have a few classes with, and have study groups or more interaction and socialization with. May you have a successful educational experience.

Response by MSgt Dan Allen made Jun 21 at 2017 11:22 AM

MSgt Dan Allen — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:22:41 -0400

Hello SGT Gunderson,

While serving on active duty in the United States Air Force, I am now embarrassed to share I waited over 13 years to finally work up the nerve to attend my first college class. I enlisted straight out of high school and, in my head, I easily justified why I couldn’t take classes; busy with family, work, and social commitments. But the plain and simple truth was “I was afraid to fail.”

The biggest challenge prospective students face –in my opinion-when beginning their off duty education is lacking self-confidence in their ability to succeed. Many schools provide an introductory course to ensure you are a good fit to become a successful college student, whether it be online or in a classroom.

As I now explain to those cautious prospective students, it’s like joining any branch of the military where they don’t immediately send you to your specialized training to learn your job skill. You must first transition from the being a civilian, to a military member at Basic Training and “learning the ropes.”

Congratulations on your decision to pursue your educational goals. You can also check out this site for additional information about the school: http://www.amuonline.com/rallypoint

rallypoint

Response by SGT Thomas Hudson made Jun 23 at 2017 3:36 AM

SGT Thomas Hudson — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 03:36:03 -0400

THE HARDEST THING FOR ME WAS FEAR OF FAILURE..ONCE I GOT MY FIRST DEGREE ALL THE REST WERE A PIECE OF CAKE...I STARTED WITH 68 CREDIT HOURS OF MILITARY EXPERIENCE FOR COLLEGE..

Response by 1SG Tom Conner made Sep 17 at 2017 2:34 PM

1SG Tom Conner — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 14:34:49 -0400

After retiring at age 42, I went back to college for a second bachelor's degree. I was always the anchor person in small group presentations. The younger students talked the technical details, and I some from a broader, more experienced perspective.

Now that I am in graduate school (seminary), there is a great diversity in ages and backgrounds. It reminds me of being on active duty.

Response by SN Terry Morache made Aug 14 at 2019 8:16 PM

SN Terry Morache — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:16:15 -0400

I’m going back to school at 54 you’re still young! Don’t worry about the kids worry about yourself

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2019 8:25 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:25:42 -0400

Definitely use Rate My Professor website to find difficult/easy professor’s at your school for the courses you’re wanting to enroll in. We’ve all been there where we wished we would have known how hard this teacher was & could've taken an easier teacher (wow that’s a lot of Ws

Response by Joseph Wellcome made Aug 14 at 2019 8:29 PM

Joseph Wellcome — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:29:47 -0400

Joseph,
I was honorably discharged in 1980 with my mos as 68 Golf-Air frame structural repair . I came back to my home state and went to technical college to be a machinist... at 37 yrs. old I reach a peak in my career.

I went back to college at 40...The first semester was difficult because my perception that most of the younger folks knew more than I do.

Come to find out that was not the case. My life skills and discipline training in the military helped me Excel.
I think it was the 20 mile force marches that taught me the discipline to say I can’t do it and not quit.

in four years I graduated with 3.8 GPA in manufacturing technology and technical education.

With that education I taught the machine trades at a technical college I know sell Machine tools to manufacturing companies to help them keep Manufacturing in the USA. It’s an awesome feeling. It is a leadership role. The same skills you and I both used in the military.

Don’t be concerned about what others think. Most have not had a disciplinary training you and I have in the military so tie up your bootstraps and get it done.
It is very gratifying.
Good luck.
Joseph W.

Response by Capt James Svoboda made Aug 14 at 2019 8:35 PM

Capt James Svoboda — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:35:15 -0400

Developing study habits that will enable me to continue to support my home and part-time work. I am 81 years old still very active as a volunteer for a local bus service to help riders to their destination and assisting with handicapped persons as they board and dismount the vehicle.

Response by PO3 Rick Pendergast made Aug 14 at 2019 8:41 PM

PO3 Rick Pendergast — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:41:17 -0400

It has been a long time since I went back to school after leaving the service. The hardest part was listening to "Kids" who thought they had life figured out.

Response by PO3 Adam Hill made Aug 14 at 2019 8:52 PM

PO3 Adam Hill — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:52:27 -0400

Getting back into the routine of studying and doing homework. Depending on your major classroom lecture is only about 50% of the work. You need to set aside an hour or two each day to study and do homework.

Response by SSG Daniel Alonzo made Aug 14 at 2019 8:58 PM

SSG Daniel Alonzo — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:58:46 -0400

Joseph, I am 48 an I am attending National University in San Diego, I am on my third class. Draft a plan of action, and go through with it.

Response by SSG Kimberly Ferrier made Aug 14 at 2019 9:09 PM

SSG Kimberly Ferrier — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:09:51 -0400

It will be easier than you think. Be positive. You will probably manage your time way better than everyone else and be more careful about your work. The more difficult and challenging part is getting your military experience and prior college evaluated. I had some math classes that I wanted to substitute and it didn' work. Get on that right away. There is all kinds of help out there. Check with the Employment services department for your state. We had one on campus and they had internships and course help. Think about studying for a trade. There is a real shortage of plumbers, electricians and construction type workers. You can make a good living and can work anywhere.

Response by Sgt Madeline Richard made Aug 14 at 2019 9:12 PM

Sgt Madeline Richard — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:12:35 -0400

I am 40 years older than most of my classmates. Understand that you have life and work experience as your advantage. The learning process is the same. Take your time and don't focus on your grade as much as getting the information.

Response by PO3 Dan Kelly made Aug 14 at 2019 9:14 PM

PO3 Dan Kelly — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:14:47 -0400

I dropped out of high school and enlisted in 1963. Released from active duty Nov, 1967, I enrolled in a community college, then moved on to university. You have a real leg up over the kids, and certainly over me. I had to really work to master writing effective essays, but once mastered upper division became a breeze.

I returned to graduate school at 49 and earned my masters, several certifications and all but my dissertation for my doctorate by 62.

If you throw yourself into your courses and work for mastery, you’ll rock and roll. Most people are ticket punchers, do the least possible to pass tests to get a degree or certification. If you pull on the thread of the courses and directions that fascinate you, and throw yourself into it, you’ll have a lot of fun, satisfaction and faculty will bend over backwards for you.

If you ticket punch you won’t have an advantage, just be another number.

Response by Cpl John Sanders made Aug 14 at 2019 9:18 PM

Cpl John Sanders — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:18:51 -0400

I left the USMC at age 24 and went to college. It was difficult at first but somewhere I learned to take good notes, developed good study habits and things went well. Being somewhat older, married and having one child gave me a great incentive. Being older is no big deal in my opinion.

Response by SSG Kimberly Ferrier made Aug 14 at 2019 9:20 PM

SSG Kimberly Ferrier — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:20:01 -0400

Great. I didn't see the tiny print that said your post was from 2 yrs ago. You must have figured it all out.

Response by PV2 Stephanie Dunn made Aug 14 at 2019 9:30 PM

PV2 Stephanie Dunn — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:30:40 -0400

Adjusting to study

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Aug 14 at 2019 9:33 PM

SGT Michael Hearn — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:33:11 -0400

Hello Soldier,
I was 31 when I went back to school after 13 years in the Army. It was rough when the only employment was construction, 10 hour days 4 full-time classes. But the degree is hanging on the wall

Response by SSG William Kenny made Aug 14 at 2019 9:50 PM

SSG William Kenny — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:50:15 -0400

Don't know how or what I want to study.

Response by CDR Robert Bingham made Aug 14 at 2019 10:08 PM

CDR Robert Bingham — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 22:08:40 -0400

I’m interested; very much.

Response by PO1 David Gray made Aug 14 at 2019 10:31 PM

PO1 David Gray — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 22:31:40 -0400

I started college around the same time as you. If you can try and get a job in a field that will match up to your degree. Remember for every hour in class you will need at least 3 hours of study time to keep up with the classes. If you can see about using the CLEP program and knock out your undergrad easy classes by taking a pass/fail test and getting credits. Good luck you have a lot of support from the VA so use the services provided!

Response by GySgt Kent Murray made Aug 14 at 2019 11:02 PM

GySgt Kent Murray — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:02:26 -0400

You will dominate the class and be focused and ready to excel . Show them the difference

Response by SPC Janice Russo made Aug 14 at 2019 11:19 PM

SPC Janice Russo — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:19:22 -0400

I had reached the age of fifty-eight and though I had been employed in some name recognizing positions, I didn't have a college degree. The elusive degree was the only thing I coveted that always seemed impossible for me to attain as I was too busy supporting three kids, a dog, and two cats. I have to credit a friend of mine for telling me to go for it; what did I have to lose? It was really that simple. I applied to Pennsylvania State University, I enrolled, and I earned two under-grad degrees and my M.B.A. I won nine college awards, was an Honors student and made Dean's list almost every semester, but the best award, the friendships I formed with instructors and kids young enough to be my own. My work ethics had me always prepared. I did the out of class work while participating in classroom discussion. Surrounded by both young students and the non-traditional students, kept me enthused and I must say, I loved every minute of my student life, and I never felt old. As a student, I needed to maintain myself and did so by working three full-time part-time jobs. I'm posting this for my young readers as an encouragement to go for your dream be it college or a trade school. I did it, and so can you.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2019 11:56 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:56:15 -0400

Good day Sir: I been in the classroom just before my resent deployment. We have and advantage over the other student. We are tought to be discipline, focus on what your AFSC/MOS.is. this applies very well in the classroom.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2019 11:58 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:58:09 -0400

An advantage

Response by SP5 Daniel Kuehn made Aug 15 at 2019 12:35 AM

SP5 Daniel Kuehn — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:35:26 -0400

Thinking that you can pay for it!

Response by SGT Bonnie B. made Aug 15 at 2019 2:11 AM

SGT Bonnie B. — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 02:11:53 -0400

Iam doing that now as well and would have to say If you wolk ft and go to School f t it wears you down. It was worth it but so damn hard and you are always Studying.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Aug 15 at 2019 3:02 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 03:02:46 -0400

I went to Graduate School when I was 35. I never felt out of place because my fellow students were all ages. I was in school withVeterans and regular students. I know my age motivated me to get excel in my courses. When I was an Undergraduate right out of High School, I wasn’t as serious and motivated. I graduated and did fairly well for an alcoholic. After getting sober in 1989, and starting Grad School in 1991; I was focused and my attitude was very different. I was there to learn, so I expected my Professors to teach me. I excelled and received two Masters Degrees and I was a Disabled Veteran and a single mom. I think my age and Military experience helped me to focus on my goals! My advice to you is to figure out ‘how’ you learn. Is it visual, auditory, or tactile; or maybe a combination. If you are able to figure HOW you retain information, school will be much easier and you will see this in your grades. I was able to complete 60 Graduate hours of credit and achieve a GPA of 3.975 out of a possible 4.0. I made straight A’s with only one B! I think you will do well because you are motivated and your age and Military experience are an advantage. Best of luck in your academic endeavors. You CAN do anything you put your mind to! Set your goals and achieve them. If you can survive the Military, school is much more fun than Military training; although I did REALLY enjoy weapons training! The Granada training, the Granada launcher, and the LAW were my favorite weapons! I enjoyed blowing up a tank, a Jeep, and a bus. Then my Drill instructors made me stop. I wanted to blow up more targets, but they wouldn’t let me! Best of luck! I KNOW you will do well because you WANT to attend college!

Response by PFC Christopher Friday made Aug 15 at 2019 4:43 AM

PFC Christopher Friday — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 04:43:54 -0400

I'm not that good with math but anything else I will challenge it head on.

Response by PFC Christopher Friday made Aug 15 at 2019 5:12 AM

PFC Christopher Friday — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 05:12:23 -0400

I have 10% disability rating am I eligible for a GI bill for education.

Response by SGM William Belgie made Aug 15 at 2019 5:56 AM

SGM William Belgie — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 05:56:44 -0400

As a 61 years old in college my experience is that you will find you are not alone. There are many people returning to college and the life experiences you have will make you a better student

Response by SGT Pamelia Bean made Aug 15 at 2019 7:01 AM

SGT Pamelia Bean — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:01:20 -0400

the biggest for me is if I am smart enough and will I actually graduate with a degree. For me to go back to school 4 years is a long time

Response by Cpl Ken Stevenson made Aug 15 at 2019 8:02 AM

Cpl Ken Stevenson — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 08:02:40 -0400

I went back to school at 33. A lot calmer, more disciplined, and much more interested in learning than when I was a teenager. I found that absorbing knowledge came much more naturally without all those teenage distractions. The fact that I was the breadwinner and head of a household also made it easier to 'knuckle under' - there wasn't going to be a do-over like there were in high school...if I didn't make it here, I had a family who were going to pay the price. In my opinion, I believe you'll find returning to school as an adult far easier and far more interesting...your fears will be pretty much baseless. God Bless you man, Good luck!

Response by PV2 Paul Tolleson made Aug 15 at 2019 8:06 AM

PV2 Paul Tolleson — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 08:06:38 -0400

If you have PTSD, you will probably have memory problems. Take lots of notes. Study more, even if you are familiar with the material. You will get frustrated with the younger generation, even angry. Keep your cool. Try to connect with some of them. (won't be easy) What really crazy is on first day of class you walk in and they think you are the teacher ( probably because I'm over 35 yrs old LOL) I'm a junior now and it does get frustrating as you go along. Make use of the schools veterans services and your local VA and keep marching on.

Response by MSG Tim Lynch made Aug 15 at 2019 8:36 AM

MSG Tim Lynch — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 08:36:02 -0400

I started following my retirement at age 44. Like most - discipline from the military is a HUGE benefit. The hardest thing for me - was asking my kids (who were in college) for help and watching their lives move forward as I sat at the dining room table doing homework. Getting an IT Degree has changed my life.

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Aug 15 at 2019 8:54 AM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 08:54:54 -0400

Try being thirty (30) years older than the average student, and going back to school. I put off education to focus on my military career marriage and kids. After losing my first wife, re-marrying years later and having raised seven children preaching the importance of education. When they all finished school, they all looked at me and said "Your Turn", it's never too late. I am currently enrolled for the second time and determined to complete my degree! Though I face many obstacles like career home and all that comes with managing these two things, make it extremely hard to stay focused on school, but I am gettin it done!

Response by PO3 Bria n O‘Connell made Aug 17 at 2019 7:36 AM

PO3 Bria n O‘Connell — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 07:36:43 -0400

Hardest is dealing with VA Vic rehab . 30 of us disabled vets had to fight all the way to sec of va to get benefits . It took 3 yrs . If you have ptsd they tell you no we have to protect society . True story . Then they say your too disabled and on and on . They’re supposed to find you employment you can do physically . They then say your too disabled . Nightmare . Fight back hard . VA is not your friend

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 10 at 2019 1:34 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 01:34:46 -0400

you will be fine. here is a job for you part-time. [login to see] . Thomas King is his name. Pass it on.

Response by PO1 Kelley Valencia made Oct 24 at 2019 12:51 AM

PO1 Kelley Valencia — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:51:07 -0400

Getting through so much material in 8 week sessions!

Response by SP5 Ward Posey made Feb 21 at 2020 6:04 PM

SP5 Ward Posey — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 18:04:42 -0500

Personally. I graduated "cum laude" from college at 27. I also worked 30 or more hrs. a week as a truck driver. I could not have done it without my military experience. I was organized, stayed on task, and thought on my feet to get through. I also ignored all the idiot protesters as this was the early '70's and I was a combat vet. I could not have done it straight out of HS, I was too scatterbrained. Thanks to the Army I succeeded.

Response by C/SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2022 9:43 PM

C/SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 21:43:37 -0400

I am approximately to start going again to high school here in August. I will be 28 When the semester starts offevolved and relying on how my army experience and training translates into credits I may or may not be a sophomore. We want to pardon those who are worthy of the harshest life and avoid all kinds of troubles, while others are foreseeing it. He hates https://www.hubofstudy.com/ her from any pain. It's easy to blame yourself for no annoyances. Or criticize with resilience. And when I get them said, I'm gonna blame the architect.

Home

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 1 at 2022 11:38 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 11:38:48 -0400

I did put n two years of college while on active duty and was 26 when I got out after eight years. I was taking three classes at a time 4 days a week while on active duty and maintained a 3.7 GPA. I then went to college, Full time at age 26 the fall of that same year 1974. . There were other Veterans there and the school was Veteran Friendly and the Vietnam War was still going on. (I was serving in Vietnam in 1968-69) I was of course older than most of the students and had moved into a dormitory. I enjoyed the campus life a lot and made a lot of good friends. I was active in sports and was Co Captain of the Cross Country team. I assisted the Athletic Director in setting contacting and scheduled the playing season. I was the Sports editor on our yearbook in My senior year and had been writing sports article for the college newspaper. I found staff and faculty also appreciated My efforts and the Veteran's in general as according to them We were older and had more experience that most of the students and according to the staff set a good example for others to follow. I did have the colleges staff members state that and thank Me. Our senior class President was a Navy veteran that served on submarines. I did have the VA to help with my school finances put still worked a part time job as a Police Dispatcher and Special Police Officer and full time on Summer months and school vacations putting overtime. I also remained active in Civil Air Patrol, the USAF Auxiliary. and on campus never missed any college events. I tend to be very social anyway and enjoyed being around other people. I was 28 when I graduated in May of 1976 and in June the same year I was working full time on a civilian Police Department. With all that activity I also remained on the Dean's List each Semester.

I found My time at college to be enjoyable and a very positive influence and also My degree gave Me a 20% increase in my weekly pay on the Police Department under their Educational Incentive program. I did go back into an Air Force uniform after and eight year break with a reserve slot in an active duty Security Police Unit at Hanscom AFB, MA and still worked full time on the civilian Police Department. A number of the USAF People in that unit I had worked with before while all of were on active duty.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 1 at 2022 12:56 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:56:09 -0400

... Well Done, SGT Joseph...But Had I Seen Your Post Much Earlier I'd Have Said...

"First Off, If You Even Spend 10 Years More Getting Your Education, You'll Be 38 Years Of Age Upon Completion;
But If You DON'T Go Back To School, You'll STILL Be 38 In 10 Years ...... Your Call.

Take Advantage Of Your Educational Benefits While IN The Service; They're Plentiful. And, If Things Haven't Changed Since MY Days, You Can Take College Courses, Fully Paid, From The Colleges You Plan To Attend In The Future ; Which Are, Of Course, Fully Accredited Towards Your Degree...
BTW, I'm About As Close To 100 % SELF-EDUCATED As Anyone You'll Ever Know. I Left The Public Schools Mid 9th Grade And Used USAFI,& NAVPERS To Get A REAL Education:
....Educated Well Enough To Become Director Of Purchasing For FMC In Indiana... Then Self Employed In The Printing Field For 27 Years And Fully Retired At 56.....

Don't Just Attend College. While You're There Taking Programs, Try Getting An Education....
While Purchasing Director I Had To Fire A Couple College Boys Whom Forgot To Do That...
Degrees Have Never Impressed Me; But Performance Always Has.".

Congrats On Your Achievements

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 1 at 2022 3:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:50:52 -0400

I am content with my education. I don’t need that stress.