Veterans in Education: How do veterans fare returning to school?

Source: Veterans Education Challenge

One of the highest forms of service a person can volunteer for is service in the Military in the United States of America.  Unlike other countries which have a mandatory military service, the United States has a completely voluntary military service.  There are exceptions to the rule, in time when the country implements a ‘draft into military service’ due to shortages.  Except for those rare instances, the majority of military service is done as a voluntary measure.

The worst aspect about the military service is the fall-out from military service.  A short term of service in the U.S. military will completely change a person.  Usually, for the better.  There are many veterans walking the streets who have completed their military service with an honorable discharge.  Unfortunately, there are also those who do not complete their military service in an honorable manner.  Additionally, there is yet another set of military veterans who complete their military service and have trouble returning to society.  Carrying the burdens of combat is unfathomable and unnecessary.  Unfortunately, that is not a choice that all veterans can deal with.  There are many success stories coming out of the military.  In the blog series “Veterans-In-Education” I will highlight students along with staff and faculty as I meet them and inquire into their journey.

I have made up a questionnaire of questions which I believe serve to highlight a veteran’s past achievements and current struggles/challenges returning while engaging in education at the college level.  I have the utmost respect for veterans – I am one of them.  I hope that you learn something about veterans that you previously did not know before reading this blog series.  Furthermore, if you are a potential employer reading this series, hopefully, you will realize what a wonderful potential asset -- a  veteran would be to serve in your respective professional area in the future.  Hire a veteran.

Without further ado, here are the questions which will be asked to each veteran for this series:

Questionnaire for Veteran’s Transitioning into Academia

1) What is your major subject of study? i.e. your major?

2) What degree are you going to school for?

3) What do you plan to do with your degree?

4) What branch of the military did you serve in?

5) How long was your service in the military?

6) Why did you decide to pursue a degree after your military service?

7) What lessons did you learn in the military which have helped your journey in school?

8) What was your impression of the university after being in the military?

9) In other words, did the military change your perception of school?

10) What veteran services have you decided to take advantage of during your education?

11) Has your academic institution been accommodating with your transition from the military?

12) What is the best observation of being a student?

13) Do you miss the military?

14) What advice would you give other veterans who are looking to return or enroll in a university after serving in the military?

15) What is the greatest challenge you have faced in the university system?

16) How does that compare to the challenges you faced while serving in the military?

17) Do you feel that the university has offered enough preparation in your area of study to pursue a career in your desired profession?

18) What can the university do better to make the experience for veteran’s returning to school easier?

In the near future, I will be posting the first response from an Army veteran who has also trained us in the fitness program at California State University at Northridge -- Commit To Be Fit -- which I recently wrote a blog post on.  Until then, have a great Labor Day Weekend.  Be safe!







The author also writes about demystifying the life of a scientist at Mike Thinks.

Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Update: Ever tried High-Intensity-Interval-Training (HIIT)?

Source: Commit To Be Fit - Instagram 

As I have mentioned in the previous blog posts, after moving to Northridge, our lifestyle have changed.  We live across from school and as a result do not ride our bicycle as far as we previously done on a daily basis.  After enjoying a larger house, we had noticed that incrementally our daily routine was filled with less exercise – more sedentary.  As a result, weight gain followed for each of us.

Back in January, Kayla and I were on vacation up in Sacramento visiting my brother.  I decided that the time had come for me to return to exercising on a regular basis.  My endurance had diminished over time.  I decided to jump on a treadmill at the hotel where we were staying for the vacation.  After 2 miles, I decided that the distance was enough to start with.  Not to mention that I was also getting tired.  Although, any return to a normal exercise routine involves taking the first large step and engaging in the process of starting – jumping on the treadmill.  You have to start somewhere right?

Anything that is worth implementing as a routine has to be simple enough to implement.  Running has been part of my upbringing, therefore, whenever I feel like a workout is needed, a run can always be incorporated into the workout.

I have mentioned in the past entries that Kayla and I do quite well with an exercise routine which is implemented by instructors.  Especially, when we just have to follow a routine and not put too much thought into the design of the workout.  As some people get more involved in working out, their sense of design (of a given workout) takes over.  For us, that is not the case.  Therefore, a predesigned workout is the easiest and most reliable way to work out for both of us.  Additionally, that has always been the case for myself throughout my life.  I work better in a regimented workout scene with a group.  I guess that I am attracted to the ‘herd mentality’ of exercising. 

Fortunately, we found out that there was a program offered at California State University at Northridge.  The program is an exercise program which is offered by the Kinesiology department.  The name of the program is called “Commit to be fit”.  University officials decided that the program would be offered to those on campus and off campus.  Faculty, staff, students, and community members are allowed to attend.  A few members of the chemistry department have been attending the program and were very happy with the results – increased health and wellness after completing the program.  This sounded very encouraging.  Show below is a short video of the program:

Aaaaand we are back.. Getting all of our clients ready to start this semester off.. First, we need to get testing done 🤓. Join us every Monday through Thursday from 5:30pm to 6:20pm #CTBF #kinesiology #kineticcheckpoints #csunmatadors #csunkin #redwoodhall #committobefit #fitnessfun #fitfam #testing #cleintssafety #mobility #letshavefun #getmoving #weareheretohelp #wearemadetomove #letsgetmoving #partymode #beastmode

A post shared by Commit To Be fit (@csun_ctbf) on Feb 6, 2018 at 8:50pm PST

Source: Instagram

The program is categorized as a “HIIT” program which stands for “High Intensity Interval Training”.  A usual day will entail the following: a warm up, round 1, round 2, and cool down stretching.  The warm up serves to get the participants heart rates up for the two rounds.  Round one consists of four exercise stations.  The class is split up into four groups which start at each of one of the four exercise stations.  Groups start out learning each exercise and then do the workout for 75 seconds.  After two rounds at four stations, a water break is in order. Upon returning, there are four new exercises, which participants will complete two more rounds.  Finally, the end is capped by a ‘cool down’ stretch and calming exercises.  The total duration of the work out is 50 minutes.  During the academic year, the program is offered Monday thru Thursday.

After hearing about the program from our friends along with their respective success stories, Kayla and I decided to sign up. The next program was starting February and we signed up.  Upon starting the program, each participant is subjected to an incoming fitness test to document their starting point.  Similarly, upon completing the program there is an outgoing test.  The purpose is to document the progress obtained throughout the program.  Progress is documented.

The program is wonderful to say the least.  The students are learning how to be professional trainers – which is interesting and frustrating at times.  Although, their motivational level is through the roof and I enjoy their enthusiasm too.  Each student is genuinely dedicated to living a healthier life through keeping fit.  Not only that, but are motivated to help you (and I – i.e. clients) obtain our ultimate fitness level which we desire.  Goals are attainable within this program. 

There are two different categories of exercising offered by the program.  The first is by engaging with the group – which is the most popular.  If you are not a group exercise person, there are individual (personal) training sessions.  This really expands the range of participants which engage in the program – which I must remind everyone is free and offered three times a year (fall, spring, and summer).

Now, let’s get to the results – right?  I am sure that each reader is wondering whether the program works or not – correct?  Well, I am here to report a BIG YES.  The program works and is totally a deal – a gem in disguise.  In fact, I am always wondering why more people do not participate in the program.  I am going to advertise to the surrounding community.  Although, I will say, after spreading the word about how wonderful I have been feeling while participating in this new program, a common response is the following: “I don’t have time to meet during the time the program is offered.”  The program is offered from 5:30-6:30pm Monday – Thursday.

Over the last few months, I have managed to lose around 5 pounds – which is nothing.  Where is the success in the course then?  I have managed to lose around 1 ½ inches off my waist line.  The most important metric for me are two: overall energy level and mobility.  Each of these two metrics have increased tremendously over the past few months.  Losing weight while gaining muscle is the ultimate cause for the small amount of weight loss.

Feeling better.  Having more energy to complete tasks throughout the day is wonderful.  Additionally, my mobility has continued to increase over the past few months also.  Which is completely encouraging and serves as motivation to show up to each class – especially when I feel like going home and eating chips while watching Netflix – Wow.  I have found that my mobility was diminishing with increased weight gain.  This was rather surprising to me.  Although, now that I am aware of the road that I was traveling down was not good, I can turn around and change my course to feel and live better.

I will report more on this course and my mental health overall in the future more on this electronic journal.  The current post serves as a ‘check in’ with myself – electronically – and anyone who chooses to read these posts too.  I hope that each person achieves the goals which are being sought out.  Each of us deserve to feel healthy and live healthy lives.  Until next time, cheers!

Related Links: 

1) Commit To Be Fit - sign up - web page 

2) Commit To Be Fit - Instagram

3) Original post on Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Web Page

4) Mike's Mental Awareness Journey Web Page