Going to college after years of being away from education is a turning point not only to those who graduated from high school long ago but also to veterans.
Interviewing returned military veterans reminded me of that learning is our lifetime project, so it's never too late to start learning.
There are approximately 250 veterans who go to LBCC every term. Those military veterans I interviewed had commonality of values: passion for the military, willingness to work for success, and confidence in themselves. Regardless of their age, there was a strong desire to learn. There was a gumption to pursue their goals in college. They were polite, respectful, courteous, and proud.
"I'm an approachable, eccentric person."
Jeb Oliver, 22-years old has been a student at LBCC since 2008. Because he has a background in variety of fields, he has had a job as a tutor at the learning center in history, speech, sociology, political science, reading, and philosophy.
Also, he has a dedication to serve the country. He served in the National Guard for four years and was going to make a career in the military until disease shifted his plan.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he experienced many moves. He has lived in Florida, Georgia, and Turkey.
"I'd love to go to Turkey again."
He lived in Turkey for two years going to the International Department of Defense School.
Family background influenced Oliver to join the National Guard. He comes from a long lineage military personnel, and his devotion to the military reaches all the way back from his ancestors to his father.
"They are inspirational men, my great role models, honorable men."
Part of his military duty included officiating 400 funerals.
The National Guard taught him self-discipline, loyalty and hospitality. He was trained to go to Iraq, but the plan sank out of his sight when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
"I was so looking forward to going to Iraq."
His circumstance pointed him to think of what's next; returning to college.
Currently, his major is history. He wants to become a history professor. He likes hunting, painting, fishing, and reading.
"I'm a connoisseur of life."
With one more term left at LBCC, Oliver is planning on transferring to PSU.
"To me college is a gateway to better things."
Oliver is not the only veteran who happened to encounter a changeover.
As the president of the Veterans Club at LBCC, David Mayotte, 23 years old, served in the United States Marine Corps for four years.
"The military is a tradition in my family."as he says, he is a 6th generation of service man.
"Anyone who wants to serve the country should join the U.S. Marine Corps."
The service sent him to Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Iraq, Burma, Mexico, Australia, and Singapore. Being shipped all over the world gave him a chance to learn how to cope with language barriers and see different cultures.
He learned the life skills from the Navy that helped him grow up.
"You'll grow exponentially. You get mature faster than usual."
Oliver and Mayotte have been very good friends ever since they met through the veterans club. There are 18members in the club, and he'd love to continue being involved.
Psychology, health and first-aid are his favorite subject, and he likes playing games, watching movies, and listening to country music.
David describes himself as "I'm a pretty normal fella."
Like Oliver and Mayotte, going to college was a transition that Bill Stanley never imagined.
"I never believed that I'd go back to school."
Stanley, the former navy crew, decided to go back to college after he left the navy due to an injury. He served in the navy for six years committed to his obligations around the world. With a dislocation of his right knee tearing meniscus and muscles and rupturing two discs in his back, he had to make an end to his military career.
By meeting other veterans like Oliver and Mayotte at school, he found brotherhood and camaraderie again that he had missed.
"I don't want to be dramatic, but college saved my life."
He is married raising two children. He enjoys his classes and is looking forward to his future college life. Decision on going back to school at the age of 35 made him nervous just a nip, but his courage was unshakable.
"Education is worthwhile. Don't let your age stop from not going to school."
This is his second year at LBCC, and Stanley is planning on studying sociology with the focus on criminology at OSU.
"If you want to give it a shot, you should apply for it because it's going to help you later in life."
Even granting that college wasn't a primary goal for them, it's no doubt that education was a ticket to a new beginning of their lives.
What : Military veterans who have returned to college after they got out of the military
Who: Jeb Oliver, David Moyatte, Bill Stanley
When : Present
Where : Linn-Benton Community College
Veteran Education Resources
LBCC Veteran Service Officer
LBCC Contact List for Veterans
Associated Veteran Community Advisor Jim Bell (E-mail)
Associated Veteran Community Advisor Lewis Franklin (E-mail)
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