VETERAN COMBAT MEDIC TO COLLEGE STUDENT & HOW I STRUGGLED TO ADAPT
Introduction
Having a Rocky Start to College and Post Military Life
To begin with, I thought my transition from soldier to civilian would be easier than it was. And although I wasn’t that much older than my fellow students, I, in fact, felt years older. Together, these things not only made it harder to relate, but created a more frustrating time within the classroom.
Plus, just as I was learning to readjust, I decided to transfer to a higher profile college. In Illinois, I found there were a lot of perks for the veteran college student and -- coupled with the GI Bill
Learn From My Mistakes
This is not meant to be a cautionary tale, it’s a teachable moment. As military personnel, we routinely draw confidence from our inner strength. We plow through anything that gets in our way. But it’s not all about achieving objectives. Sometimes the very things that set us back turn out to be the necessary lessons to help us move forward. I was resistant to change and I made things harder for myself in the long run. On top of that, I was too involved in indulging in civilian stereotypes instead of getting to know my fellow students. And as for my first choice of a four -year college, I must admit I mistook prestige for a good fit. But by realizing my transition to civilian life would entail bumps, not insurmountable obstacles, I learned that I need to be more communicative with my fellow students as well as my professors. And by researching all the elements of college life, not just the institution's name and educational reputation, I was able to better choose an institution that worked for me.
Conclusion
For me, college was the right choice. That said, there are other paths after the military. But whatever you choose, do the research, understand the transition may take time but will happen, and, in the end, you will find yourself further along than you imagined. What to read next:Which Online Colleges for Veterans are Really the Best This Year?What challenges did you face as a Veteran returning to school? Let us know in the comments below!
