Listen Up, Soldier!

For veteran's returning to Planet College or attempting to further their education, Planet College can be more than a bit of culture shock. Compared to surviving fire fights, and roadside bombs not to mention the often barely organized insanity that is the American Military the culture of higher education can seem down right trivial. The concerns of students who have no military background often feel exaggerated. This is all in your perspective. Moving from a war zone or at least a war culture to a place where the next big party is the major student concern can be discouraging.

This is to be expected.

The shift in emphasis is overwhelming for veterans at times. While there are commonly resources on campus for veterans, often soldiers transitioning to civilian life will feel no one can understand. In fact, this is probably true. The business of most universities is preparing students for a world far different than the military. This can take some getting used to. If you are not the type of person who commonly ask for help it might be time to re-evaluate your tactics.

Asking for help is often the last thing a veteran wants to do. No one wants to be seen as the soldier who can't handle it. But this is civilian life and it is ok to ask for help. So, if you are feeling a little distressed or confused. Try the veterans affairs, try a classmate or call a buddy. It is ok to ask for help.

Dismissed!

Classes hard to get? Be there for the final.

This term on Planet College is quite a bit different than it has been in anyone's memory. Many students, fewer courses, fewer classes. This means you may be waitlisting or other wise hoping to add some required courses. When you do get that hard won course look around the first day. The room may be packed. Every desk filled and some students who don't ordinarily sit on the floor will be sitting on the floor. This is not so untypical of any first day of a term. Now there is a lot more of it.

For your personal survival file, keep a mental snapshot of this scene. Pull it out, mentally of course, and refer to it during the term. Then look around the class as it exists. Notice the difference. By mid-term nobody will be leaning against the wall and hardly anyone will be sitting on the floor, unless they want to.

This snap shot is the key to your graduation. Courses, especially required courses, are now harder than ever to get. Getting is just the beginning. Staying is the secret. That is continuing to attend; show up and turn in your work.