As we start a new year and a new semester it’s important to revisit those habits and behaviors that have made you successful or challenged you in the past. Here are some tips for veterans who are starting their first semester of college or are continuing into a new semester.
Recently, “the University of Central Oklahoma dedicated a memorial statue in honor of past, present, and future military-connected students, faculty, and staff. The memorial statue was a joint effort of Central’s Student Government Association, UCOSA and the City of Edmond Visual Arts Commission”.-UCO Press Release
As Americans come together to honor military members, and their families we ask the questions “what does Veterans Day mean to you? DAV.com took to social media in 2017 to ask the question. As you can guess the responses reflect both the experience from the veteran’s point of view, and that of the many military-connected families who have made sacrifices.
There are so many challenges when transitioning from military service to college, university, or trade programs. The good news is most veterans are very well versed in time management, productivity, and setting a routine. As a veteran you not only walk into a classroom as a student but, as an adult with a different perspective, and set of experiences.
Over the last several years we have seen social ties, and social integration for veterans transitioning to college or university suffering. Not only is it harder to gather but, with the rise of online classes we are more disconnected from our social supports.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month as we work with our veteran population you may here “service-connected” disability, or ACS disability. These terms are used to measure disabilities by the Office of Veterans Affairs, and Veteran Affairs Health Services:
The stigma against seeking mental health services is a barrier to many veterans and active service members. The trauma of active duty, multiple deployments, and the mental rigors of service can lead to mental health conditions.
As adult learners and veterans we have a framework of reference for life. It may seem easy to transfer the skills you learned in the military to civilian life problem solving but, how does this help us in the classroom?
First, a Soldier is a Soldier for life.
Many Veterans enter college and university life directly out of the military. This is a significant life transition, and most people need time to adjust to the new setting, culture, and experiences of campus life. This transition is more difficult for some Veterans than for others. They may need more help with physical or mental health issues or with the practical aspects of transitioning to this new environment.