August 12, 2015, by Rachelle Scott – It is not easy for any person to switch to a completely opposite life suddenly. Similarly, it can be quite challenging for the veterans to join their college once they serve in the military. Adjusting to the academic life is not only stressful to the students but also the veterans, especially because they are coming from a whole different background.
Take a look at the following tips which are helpful for veterans to return to college without facing harsh challenges:
1. Take A Break
It is important to keep in mind that one must not return to college immediately after returning from war. Not only your body but also your mind needs a break.
2. Be Open Minded
Veterans become habitual of listening to things about military or foreign policy; people tell them all kinds of stuff and they may hear more things when they return to college. But one must be open minded; expect to hear all kinds of opinions, views, talks, and stories. Build an open mindset to mix up with everyone. The college would be filled with several people belonging to different backgrounds, having different opinions and nature. As you interact with people, you get to know all sides of the stories and thus, it becomes easy for you to adjust in the new environment.
3. Dealing With Students
The veterans find it different and out of the ordinary to go to college after serving in the armed forces because they donot even know how it is like to go to college after their long time service. Going to college can be quite a frightful change as the veterans have spent large amount of their time with military people, and it can be a challenging task to deal with people who are 4-8 years younger than them.
4. Preparing Yourself
Prepare your mind for such a transaction. Try to ease out; you have seen the worst of situations and this new phase is nothing compared to the stress and challenges you have witnessed. Your decision to return to college must also be taken with a strong heart. Take charge of your studying and test preparations.
5. Looking Out For Other Veterans
You might not be the only one returning to college after a long time service in the military. Therefore, when you return to college, find out other veterans as you may not be the only one facing challenges. Once you find other veterans, you will feel quite comfortable and will be able to sort out the college life with ease. It will help you go through the same situation altogether. It is always nice to have someone around who understands you; what would be better than to have someone who has seen and experienced same times as you.
6. Special Orientation Classes
There are a lot of schools and colleges that offer different types and levels of some veteran-specific orientations, seminars and classes which are another way of getting you connected easily to other people. As soon as you enrol yourself, try and find out about such orientations and attend as many as you want in order to get more comfortable in the college.
7. Hanging Out With Civilians
Do not avoid socializing at the campus. It is very essential for veterans to attend the college and be a part of activities that will not only open up their minds but also help them know the peers better. Join book clubs, participate in the volunteering projects at the campus or you can even start working for a dissertation writing service. Remember, fun and career related activities help veterans to overcome their fears or challenges.
These tips are quite useful for the veterans when they return to college as serving a long time in the military changes their life. But, nothing is impossible if you try hard and stay focused. Think of yourself as one of the students and you will see yourself adjusting at the college in no time.
Rachelle Scott takes great interest in writing insightful blogs on subject matters related to our veteran society and military and ex-military personnel. When not writing, she works as a social media analyst at a marketing firm.