Most people join the military at a young age, particularly immediately after finishing high school. Therefore, they decide to further their education after leaving the service to easily transition into a different career. However, they face numerous challenges while trying to fit into college life. While other students might not understand their struggles, it is hard for veterans to move from one culture to another. Dealing with traumatic experiences faced during service, trying to fit in the community, suffering from physical injuries, and coping with betrayals makes it hard to achieve higher education. The first step in overcoming these struggles is to understand them.
Disability.
Having a physical or mental disability is inevitable for military service members due to the kind of work they do. Going to war means you either hurt and kill, or get hurt and killed. Since the goal of warriors is to fight to protect their nation, most of them come back with permanent disabilities. Their condition does not deter them from pursuing a college education to change their lives, though they might face challenges. The good thing is that college campuses give people with disabilities opportunities to achieve their dreams. Almost all universities have an office offering disability services to help students obtain special parking spaces and necessary emotional support. With the best support from school leadership and students, achieving higher education is possible.
Age Gap.
While a typical college student’s age ranges between eighteen and twenty-two years, veterans join college at a much older age. Being older and more experienced than your college mates can be frustrating. Being older also means that you might have more responsibilities, thus not being interested in fashion trends, playing beer pong, or keeping up with social media pressure. Most ex-military students may want to get a college education without being stuck in a classroom full of teenagers. Most universities cater to their older students by allowing them to study online. A Veteran student can also use their military experience to access college credit and skip introductory classes.
Financial Challenges.
Financial issues might deter many veterans from accessing college education. They might be unable to pay for college expenses, including: tuition, living expenses, and books, considering that they have other family responsibilities and are out of service. However, it is possible for them to achieve their goal by accessing funds from Wounded Warriors Charity. There are many organizations, such as Wounded Warriors Family Support, whose aim is to support the lives of veterans financially and mentally. Veterans should leverage this benefit and empower themselves to have a better future.
Impatience.
After being in life-threatening situations for about eight years, adjusting to school life can be a bit challenging. Veterans might consider general education classes a waste of time. Though frustrating, veterans can benefit from their long experiences in institutions. They can join guidance and counseling classes to help them deal with their mental issues and attain their degrees of choice.
Isolation.
Coupled with the feeling of isolation, universities can have a drastic culture shock for veterans, since they have spent most of their years in the military, which ties them to certain social systems, making it hard for them to socialize with civilians after service. Research shows that most veterans lose friends after leaving the military. The unfamiliar social system of college that has no resemblance to the military might pose a challenge to them. They have to juggle family issues, work, and education, making it difficult to visit college coffee shops and make friends.
Advancing your education level after the military is crucial. Veterans should overcome all the challenges that hinder them from achieving their academic goals. Do not be intimidated by a certain disability since it’s a sign of sacrifice. Financial challenges should not be an issue when nonprofit organizations exist to support veterans. Find ways to deal with the issues related to age and isolation to fulfill your desires and make your life better.
