What specific obstacles did you face while transitioning from military to college?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 23:38:55 -0400

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made May 16 at 2015 12:14 AM

SGT Kevin Brown — Sat, 16 May 2015 00:14:11 -0400

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.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 16 at 2015 12:12 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 16 May 2015 00:12:09 -0400

Rally Point staff could have chosen a better picture. The person in the picture depicting a real live Soldier has a uniform violation IAW AR 670-1. Far as transiting to college from 04" and 06" when was out was really easy. I enjoyed the beer, the freedom and the numerous good looking ladies in the area. Also, many of the classmates were either SMs, vets or dependents.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 11:20 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 11:20:50 -0400

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.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 18 at 2015 5:10 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 18 May 2015 17:10:09 -0400

Lots of good looking coeds.

Response by SrA Erin Hood made May 19 at 2015 1:56 AM

SrA Erin Hood — Tue, 19 May 2015 01:56:32 -0400

For me, the idea of pursuing higher education after separation isn't even feasible.
I've been out for about 20 years now and have not even initiated my Montgomery GI Bill.

At first, the biggest obstacles were being a single parent and working full-time.

Today, given the state of the economy, and a lack of work in my field (or any field for that matter), I can't even fathom going back to school.

Today, I do sporadic work as a freelance designer (my field before joining the service), yet I face the prospect of homelessness throughout the year, every year.

Working as a freelancer is the only thing I can manage at this point because I work at home. My last full-time job was in 2007, and last part-time job was 5 years ago.

It's very difficult to make enough money for a myriad of reasons, but over time not having enough steady work means that you will not be able to operate above the survival level, never mind going to college.

In my experience, the idea is pure folly.
If anyone of any importance actually wanted to make it better for Americans, they'd fix the monetary system, and remove government subsides associated with higher education/loans. The cost of higher education has little to do with the delivery of that education, so much as it's a disciplinary technique for building diligent and debt-laden consumers.

Sorry if that sounds cynical, but I've had zero help in 20 years of separation.
All I do now is try to survive, recovery isn't an option.

Response by SPC Anna Larson made May 10 at 2016 10:28 AM

SPC Anna Larson — Tue, 10 May 2016 10:28:22 -0400

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.