In honor of National Armed Forces Day (May 18) and Memorial Day (May 27), please join FRCC in celebrating the commitment and sacrifices of the men and women in the five branches of the U.S. Military.
We honor our fallen soldiers—and have enduring respect for veterans and those currently serving in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
If you’ve served our country, now it’s time to focus on yourself. While this new chapter of your life has many opportunities, it’s understandable that it might feel overwhelming.
If you’re thinking about going to college to figure out your next steps, you’re in luck. There are many resources available to you as you make the transition from military to civilian and campus life.
Here are a few tips to make things easier and take full advantage of the resources available to you:
Get to Know Your School’s Veteran Services Advisors.
Here at FRCC, each campus has a dedicated veteran services advisor to guide student-vets as they start their academic journeys. Pay them a visit!
They’ll support you every step of the way, even as you make plans to transfer to a four-year school, and will make sure you understand how to use your Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits. And on that note…
Embrace Those Educational Benefits.
As a veteran, you have awesome benefits through the GI Bill that make college very affordable. Here are two options:
Post-9/11 GI Bill – For those who have served on active duty after 9/11/2001. You could receive up to 36 months of benefits, including tuition and fees, and money for housing, books, supplies, and
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) program – For those who have served at least two years on active duty. Again, you could receive up to 36 months of benefits.
Here’s more information about Veterans Affairs education benefits.
Get Involved with Veteran Organizations on Campus.
There’s something so helpful about getting to know other veteran and active-duty military students who have been through similar experiences as you. Your veteran services advisor can point you in the right direction, but be sure to explore the military-related student organizations at your campus (like the Veteran Club at FRCC-Westminster and the Veteran Club at FRCC-Larimer).
Explore Your Career Options with the Help of an Academic Advisor.
The veteran services advisors are an excellent resource, but as you navigate this big life transition, establishing a plan can minimize any stress and uncertainty. The pathways advisors at the Advising, Career and Counseling Center will help you explore your academic and career options and find a path that fits your skills, personality, and goals.
Get Help If You Need It.
Be patient with yourself. Life after military service is full of change and it isn’t always easy. The counselors at the Advising, Career and Counseling Center at your campus offer personal counseling and help with stress management. These folks are there to help when you are stressed or struggling with school-work-life balance—or even when you need a referral for another community resource. Use them!
If you’re starting your post-military career and it involves returning to college, reach out for support. The FRCC team is here to make the transition easier and set you off on the best path forward.
