By Adrian Zupp
One of the major challenges that any vet faces is reintegrating into civilian society after returning from active duty. Veterans are picking up where they left off or, in many cases, embarking on a completely fresh start. For many vets this means settling in to college life.
Making that transition from military life to college life can be trickier than it sounds. Typically – though certainly not exclusively – college students arrive on campus straight from high school. Some may have traveled a little, others may have held full time jobs. But few can relate to the experience of going overseas to take part in a war unless they’d actually been there. So one can well imagine how a vet going from the rigors of military service into the much more open and unstructured life of college might feel like an outsider.
Consider the magnitude of the adjustments: a complete shift in work structure, discipline, and schedule; trying to “fit in”; dealing with any emotional scars remaining from active service. In other words, the change poses the challenge of easing into an environment that is virtually the antithesis of a war zone.
These adjustments can take time. They may also necessitate the support of mental health professionals. (Fortunately, these days, any vet can take a free, anonymous online screening to see if they may be suffering from depression, PTSD, anxiety, alcoholism or other mental health disorders and require further help.)
Friends, family, and the college community itself can make a huge difference. Many colleges have recognized the need to reach out to their veteran students, and have responded. Sierra Community College in California has started a program that includes a location where veterans can access information, study quietly or gather. The program also educates faculty members on veterans’ issues, has the VA send a counselor to the school frequently, and allows vets to register for courses early so that their timing coincides with the GI bill’s requirements.
With the many veterans taking advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, colleges across the country will continue to see an increase in veterans, and many may need to respond like Sierra Community College.
Adrian Zupp is the marketing writer at Screening for Mental Health.
