During last summer, Anderson discussed his transformative journey back to academia after serving 24 years as a U.S. Marine with Kathy Vaillancourt, a Career and Co-op Professional at UML. His motivation to share details about his experience stemmed from a desire to share with fellow veterans who may also be contemplating the decision to return to higher education, weighing both the benefits and challenges in provides. In previous blog posts, Anderson explored the reasons behind his decision to re-enter the educational environment and detailed some of the obstacles he encountered along the way. Ultimately, he emphasized the importance of self-discovery and how his newfound insights have enabled him to offer valuable advice to others in similar situations.
Envision the future
Before making any commitments, Anderson advises that it is essential to take time to visualize your future self in ten years. He goes on by saying that “Developing a clear and detailed vision of your long-term goals provides a foundation for your career planning. Once you have established this vision, conduct thorough research on the career paths that align with your aspirations. This step helps you avoid investing resources and time into pursuits that do not fully engage your interests or passions”. Careful planning and informed decision-making are crucial to building a successful and fulfilling career trajectory.
Enbrace a Growth Mindset
When Anderson returned to school, he was uncertain about how the experience would influence his personal development. Some changes were subtle, while others were more noticeable. One of the most significant surprises for him was the extent to which he grew as an individual. Anderson recommends embracing a “Growth Mindset”, when reentering. He shared that he developed a deeper understanding of himself and gained insights into how various systems function outside the civil sector because he practiced thinking outside the box which expanded his ability to process new ideas and perspectives.
Guidance for Newly Enrolled Veteran Students
Anderson advised that veterans who are beginning their academic pursuits should consider several key points to facilitate a successful transition into higher education. First, it is important to recognize that they are not alone in this journey. Many veterans are enrolled in various institutions, and engaging with online veteran groups, alumni networks, or veteran-specific organizations can provide valuable support and camaraderie. Connecting with the institution’s veteran affairs office can also offer tailored resources and assistance.
Secondly, leveraging available resources on campus and within the broader community is essential. These resources may include academic advising, mental health services, career counseling, and peer support groups. Proactively seeking help and communicating one’s needs is crucial, as understanding and support are often contingent upon open dialogue. No one can address challenges effectively unless they are aware of them, so it is vital to ask for assistance when needed.
Finally, self-advocacy plays a significant role in navigating the academic environment. Students should feel empowered to speak up for themselves, initiate conversations with faculty and staff, and actively participate in their educational journey.
For veterans who are looking for guidance as they reenter academia, there are resources available to facilitate a smoother transition. Learn more by tapping into these links: UML Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions and UML Office of Veteran and Military Services.
