Vets in College: Bridging the Gap to Civilian Life

Navigating Higher Education: A Veteran’s Story

The stack of brochures sat heavy on Sergeant Major (Ret.) Marcus Bell’s desk – Piedmont University, University of North Georgia, even a slick packet from Georgia Tech. After 22 years in the Army, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and more leadership schools than he cared to remember, Marcus felt lost. He wanted to use his GI Bill benefits to get a degree in Construction Management, but the process felt like navigating a minefield. Could he really balance school with his family and the lingering effects of his service? How could he translate his military skills into academic success? Are our education systems truly equipped to support veterans transitioning to civilian life?

Marcus’s story isn’t unique. Many veterans face similar challenges when pursuing higher education. The transition from military life to the classroom can be jarring. The structured environment, clear chain of command, and defined mission objectives are replaced with academic freedom, complex course requirements, and the pressure to define a new career path.

“I see it all the time,” says Dr. Emily Carter, Director of Veteran Services at Kennesaw State University. “Veterans come in with incredible leadership experience, but they struggle to articulate how that translates into a college setting. They’re used to executing orders, not writing essays. They’re used to working as a team, not studying independently.”

Dr. Carter’s team at Kennesaw State works to bridge that gap. They offer specialized advising, peer mentoring programs, and workshops on topics ranging from time management to resume writing. “It’s about recognizing that veterans bring a unique set of strengths to the table,” Dr. Carter explains. “We just need to help them unlock those strengths in an academic context.” We had a similar program at my previous firm, and I saw firsthand how impactful these resources could be.

Back in Gwinnett County, Marcus felt overwhelmed. He started researching different programs online, but the information was scattered and often confusing. He considered reaching out to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but wasn’t sure where to start. He eventually stumbled upon the VetSuccess on Campus program, a collaborative effort between the VA and colleges across the country. He needed resources to help him thrive in civilian life after service.

The VetSuccess on Campus program assigns a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to work directly with veterans on campus. These counselors provide personalized guidance on everything from career exploration to academic advising to accessing VA benefits. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs VetSuccess on Campus page, the program is designed to provide a single point of contact for veterans navigating the complexities of higher education.

Marcus connected with Sarah Miller, the VetSuccess Counselor at Georgia Gwinnett College. Sarah took the time to understand Marcus’s goals, his military background, and his concerns about returning to school. She helped him navigate the GI Bill application process, explained the various benefits he was entitled to, and connected him with other veterans on campus.

“Sarah was a lifesaver,” Marcus recalls. “She helped me see that my military experience was actually an asset, not a liability. She helped me translate my leadership skills, my problem-solving abilities, and my attention to detail into something that employers would value.”

One of the biggest challenges veterans face is translating their military skills into civilian-recognized competencies. A 2024 study by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) found that many employers struggle to understand the value of military experience. The study recommended that veterans focus on highlighting transferable skills such as project management, leadership, and teamwork.

Sarah helped Marcus do just that. She encouraged him to highlight his experience managing logistics in Iraq, his leadership roles in his unit, and his ability to work effectively under pressure. She also helped him identify potential career paths that aligned with his interests and skills.

But the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Marcus struggled with the academic writing style, the pace of the courses, and the feeling of being disconnected from his classmates. He missed the camaraderie of his military unit and the clear sense of purpose that came with serving his country.

“It was a lonely experience at times,” Marcus admits. “I felt like I was speaking a different language than everyone else. I had to learn how to ask for help, which wasn’t always easy.”

To combat this, Sarah connected Marcus with a peer mentoring program at Georgia Gwinnett College. The program paired him with a fellow veteran who had successfully navigated the transition to college. His mentor provided him with advice, support, and a sense of community.

“Having someone who understood what I was going through made all the difference,” Marcus says. “He helped me stay motivated, stay focused, and stay on track.”

And stay on track he did. Marcus excelled in his courses, earning a spot on the Dean’s List. He became involved in the student veterans organization, serving as a mentor to other veterans. He even landed an internship with a local construction company, putting his classroom knowledge into practice. It was a huge win for shifting the narrative for opportunity.

Here’s what nobody tells you: the GI Bill isn’t just about tuition. It also provides a monthly housing allowance and a book stipend. Understanding these benefits is crucial for veterans to maximize their education opportunities. Marcus used his housing allowance to help pay his mortgage and his book stipend to purchase textbooks and other supplies.

By 2026, Marcus is on track to graduate with a degree in Construction Management. He has a job offer lined up with a reputable construction company in the Atlanta area. He’s excited about the future and grateful for the support he received along the way.

“I never thought I could do it,” Marcus says. “But with the help of Sarah, the peer mentoring program, and the support of my family, I’ve proven to myself that anything is possible.”

Marcus’s success story highlights the importance of providing comprehensive support services for veterans pursuing higher education. Colleges and universities need to recognize the unique challenges veterans face and create programs that address those challenges. The VetSuccess on Campus program is a great example of such a program, but more needs to be done to expand access to these services and ensure that all veterans have the opportunity to succeed.

Veterans bring invaluable skills and experiences to the classroom. By providing them with the support they need, we can help them achieve their academic and career goals and contribute to our communities. It’s not just about giving back to those who served; it’s about investing in our future. I had a client last year who was a former Navy SEAL, and his ability to lead and problem-solve was truly remarkable.

The key is to remember that every veteran’s journey is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting their education. It requires a personalized approach, a commitment to understanding their individual needs, and a willingness to go the extra mile. It also helps to master your finances after service.

Ultimately, Marcus’s story reminds us that with the right support, veterans can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. His journey from the battlefield to the classroom is a testament to the resilience, determination, and potential of our nation’s heroes.

The next time you see a veteran on campus, take a moment to thank them for their service and offer them your support. You never know what kind of impact you might have.

The most important lesson from Marcus’s journey? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Resources are available, and people want to support you. Take that first step.

For veterans seeking higher education, success hinges on more than just academic aptitude. It requires understanding the available resources and proactively seeking support. Don’t hesitate to connect with your campus veteran services office; they are there to help you navigate your journey. It’s all about finding solutions and hope after service.