Overcoming obstacles p1 - College Campus Life for Veterans - Military Times EDGE

Less than a month ago, the Post-9/11 GI Bill went from an idea by a Marine Corps veteran into the history books as the bill that will provide the “Next Greatest Generation” with a college degree. Because of the efforts of Sens. Jim Webb, D-Va. — a Marine Corps veteran — and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., many members of Congress and a few veterans service organizations, the federal government has sent a message: Those who have written that blank check to preserve our nation’s freedoms shall be given the right to a college education and the opportunity to build a successful future.

While Congress’ message is clear, there remain barriers to earning a degree that many outside the military may never have had to consider:

1. Social Barriers

Student veteran: “How are you doing, Ma’am?”

Response: “I don’t talk to people who have killed people!”

Student veteran: “OK, well, I’ve never killed anyone ... directly.”

Response: “Well, shame on you anyway.”

While the preceding interaction isn’t typical, it does show what can and does exist when ignorance overrides common sense. Veterans generally find themselves 10 years older than their classmates and have to answer questions such as, “Have you killed people?” “Why would you join the military?” or “Do you know anyone who died over there?” These questions aren’t meant to offend. They’re asked because many college students have not been around those who have served and received their military education by watching “Transformers” and Ben Stiller’s “Tropic Thunder.”

2. Administrative Barriers

Since a surge of veterans — “The Greatest Generation” — flocked to college campuses after World War II, academia has become re-accustomed to catering to one demographic: 18- and 19-year-old freshmen right out of high school. Many universities have extremely low percentages of veterans on their campuses, and as result, university administrators have not realized that veterans’ needs can be different from those of typical freshmen.

Many colleges receive phone calls and questions from service members about the GI Bill, receiving credits for their military training and whether there are other veterans on campus. These questions can leave colleges struggling for answers — not because they intended to leave veterans out of the equation, but because the idea of having veterans on campus just wasn’t thought of, and complex forms and filing procedures leave many student service offices scrambling to give answers that they’re not trained to provide.

3. Psychological Barriers

While many service members and veterans did very well in high school, there are many who did not. For those who navigated their high school years successfully, and for those who were slightly less triumphant on this path, we share a commonality: We have all been away from a formal academic setting for years, and the idea of going to school can seem daunting.

Upon graduating from high school, college recruiters weren’t exactly kicking my door in to bring me, my 1.5 grade-point average and my 14 ACT score to their campuses. In fact, many were surprised to learn that someone with a 1.5 GPA could earn a diploma and considered my acquisition of one an accomplishment in itself.

So when the time came to leave the Air Force in 2005, the person least sure of my future at college was me. What I soon learned was that the military had given me a work ethic and determination unmatched in civilian society. The military taught me how to study. And it taught me not to quit. As result, I completed my associate degree with a 4.0 GPA and now am a senior at the University of Michigan.

The answer

One solution to many of the issues veterans face on campus is apparent in the explosive growth of Student Veterans of America. Since SVA’s founding in January 2008, the organization has grown from its initial 20 chapters to 194 this summer.

These student veterans groups have helped their members by filling a social void, advocating for university policy reforms and watching out for members who are struggling with depression or post-traumatic stress. Veterans across the country have been coming together on campuses and helping each other succeed. A common story is one that ends with, “If it weren’t for the student veterans group here on campus, I would not be in college today.”

Through empowerment, teamwork and dedication, we are truly becoming the “Next Greatest Generation.” One by one, we are enriching lecture halls — teaching our fellow classmates a new way of viewing the world and those existing in it.

And most important, we are helping each other readjust to civilian society and attain college degrees, just as Congress and our nation hoped we would.

ABOUT STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA

Student Veterans of America is a national coalition of student veterans organizations on college campuses. SVA, founded in January 2008, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to help veterans in their transition to academia through development of programs and policies on campuses and advocacy on state and national levels. The organization has 194 chapters.