Posted on May 15, 2015
What specific obstacles did you face while transitioning from military to college?
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For me, the adjustment was mostly mental. I was four years older than the majority of other students and many years older in my maturity level and thinking. You feel isolated because you are no longer part of the "brotherhood." I was also working full time, which helped because it kept me very busy and focused on each task. The Marine Corps instilled a strong sense of discipline which helped me succeed. After an adjustment period, I enjoyed college.
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Working a full time job in addition to school. And having to drive 2 hours one way to attend classes. I had to set up my classes for two days a week. I worked Mon Wed Fri Sat and Sun and went to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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SPC Anna Larson
SGT (Join to see) - I already had a degree in Equine Science from before I enlisted. I went back to add a degree in Natural Resources so there were too many classes that required labs and were not available online. Also at the time, online courses weren't widely available. It was about 5-6 years after that when I was finally able to find online courses in Natural Resources available.
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SGT (Join to see)
SPC Anna Larson - That makes perfect sense, and kudos to you for your dedication towards your education. It's very clear that you had an objective in mind and forged a path to the end goal. Thank you so much for the feedback!
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I had to try all types of college platforms before finding the one that works best for me. I currently attend college online, but have tried on campus and hybrid as well. I originally had a hard time dealing with civilian college students. I spent a lot of time in the veteran center, but while in class tried my best to not let one that I was a service member. Now it is a little easier and I dont hide my service (I attend AMU now which is very military friendly). I also had issues with the very high liberal influence forced upon us in almost every class. Views I utterly disagreed with being force fed to us as truth. Going for skmething your really passionate about really makes a difference as well. I had issues concetrating or caring about the assignments for that matter when I participated in classes which I had little or no interest in.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you for that response. Is it possible to elaborate more onthe lack of passion? To shed some light, I'd like to have a discussion with new or potential vets about transition. But I'd like to focus on something the can have as a "take away". So if the don't attend my school the can apply the knowledge to wherever the go. For instance, time management needed to be learned for myself. I think you hit something on the head with many
vets.
vets.
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SGT Kevin Brown
When you are passionate about what you are doing you tend to persevere more when things get tough. When you are taking a class that does not interest you or you feel has little to no relation to your degree or future career field it is hard to have passion for your work. Though it would be extremely difficult to replicate the same level of passion for something your not interested in as you have for something you are, finding aspects of the class you do like, maintaining a positive attitude and pacing yourself can help you get through it.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Kevin,
I too had a hard time with civilian classmates, until I came to understand that they were from a different planet, and I would have to learn to live with it. Going to college is a great thing that you are doing for yourself! Best wishes going forward!
Ted
I too had a hard time with civilian classmates, until I came to understand that they were from a different planet, and I would have to learn to live with it. Going to college is a great thing that you are doing for yourself! Best wishes going forward!
Ted
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