Retire or Soldier on?: The college benefit
November 7, 2010
Hello everyone, I took yesterday off to enjoy my birthday with the family. We had a great day together and I got pretty much nothing accomplished. Today will be spent cramming to complete school work I should already have done.
Before the Army I went to college for one semester. Didn't like it, wasn't good at., and clearly I was not ready for it at 17. After a few years of maturation in the Army reserves, I started my Active career and quickly realized college was the key to promotion. So, I buckled down, took it seriously and went to class every semester for six years. I took 10 years off once I started recruiting. Not because I had to, but rather because I felt overwhelmed learning the new job. I kept that feeling for a decade before it subsided. So, I'm back, finishing up a few classes in preparation for the masters program. Doing what I need to do to begin the retirement transition regardless of when that day comes.
I changed my major three or four times over the years, but finally settled on marketing. Mostly because the various recruiting courses I've attended plugged nicely into that particular degree program when my military education evaluation was competed. I attend online now, which is a new experience for me. I don't like it as much as attending class, but its growing on me. I chose Post University, a school based in Connecticut. They seemed Military friendly, and they are. That made it easier to complete the mountain of tasks you need to accomplish with little time to do it during enrollment. They were very helpful throughout the process. I had read an article in the recruiter journal about the school and decided - enough is enough - time to finish.
Soldiers tend to take college more seriously than they did in their previous life. Maybe because they're simply more disciplined, or maybe because advancement depends on it. Whatever the case, you'll rarely see a Soldier with a GPA under 3.5.
What I know for sure is that without the Army, I would NEVER have finished my education. I couldn't have paid for it even if I wanted to without the extra $4,500 dollars a year. The School I attend now also provided free books to Soldiers, which is a great benefit. I didn't join for college money, but I took advantage of it! Just another the way the Army made me stronger!
Today is a day I NEED to stay. I need the Tuition assistance. In truth I would never stay just for a benefit though. I stay because I love it. Today is no exception - Stay in!
Until next time,
Terry
Shameless plug:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Post-University/105637116135530
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