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.