Veterans' Success Tips
Each veteran’s journey from military to student college life is unique. Below are a few tips that will help make this transition easier.
Visit the MATC Veterans Resource Center (VRC).
Located on the Downtown Campus, 3rd floor of the Student Services (“S”) building, Rm S314.
Limit yourself to a reasonable schedule.
Set reasonable goals. Small successes will spur you on to greater achievement! Don't overload.
Create a daily schedule and stick to it.
Organization gives you more time and keeps you from becoming overwhelmed. Follow a daily schedule to keep yourself organized.
Use the campus resources.
Use college services such as academic tutoring and counseling services. MATC has many services designed to address your needs, including academic tutoring and counseling services.
Take advantage of available veteran benefits.
Talk to your campus Veteran Student Organization (Room M332) representatives and take advantage of available benefits for veterans http://matcclubs.matc.edu/milwaukee/veteranstudentorg/index.html. Also view the MESO community resources site page for additional information on resources designed specifically for veterans and their families.
Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
You know yourself best including your own strengths and weaknesses. If you have the tendency to struggle with directions, tour the campus ahead of time to provide you with a general idea of where your classes are located. Give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot and get to class on time. Small changes such as these will greatly reduce your stress levels as well as give you time to relax and enjoy your classes. Also, pay attention to how you react to specific situations and learn to recognize the physical and emotional signs of psychological stress and/or PTSD. A little stress is common and actually a good motivator. If you feel your stress levels are unmanageable or they begin affecting your quality of life, visit your advisor. We are here to support you. Remember, the MESO mission is to assist student veterans in achieving their educational goals.
Be flexible.
Be aware that others may not understand or agree with your service in the military. Not everyone has had your military experience and may have viewpoints which differ from your own. Everyone is entitled to their opinions on all subjects, including the military. Be objective.
Examine your lifestyle.
Decrease unhealthy behaviors such as use of alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, illegal substances, and online social pressures.
Relax.
Don't forget to make some time for relaxation and fun. All work and no play is a recipe for disaster.
Make some time for campus activities which interest you.
Get involved with campus activities and fellow students that interest you. MATC has numerous student clubs and organizations including the Veteran Student Organization (VSO). For more information, view The Office of Student Life link at http://matcclubs.matc.edu/.
Limit exposure.
Limit exposure to sources of information that might upset you (television, news broadcasts, certain websites, and newspapers).
Volunteer.
Give back to the campus and community by doing volunteer work. Even a small amount of time devoted to helping others will alter your perspective and teach you a lot about yourself and what you have to offer. Helping others takes the focus off of you and you will see how much you have to offer. Volunteering is a great way to determine a career path as well.
Take care of yourself.
Get enough sleep and rest. Eat a balanced diet and establish a good physical workout routine.
Seek spiritual fulfillment through prayer, meditation or fellowship.
A critical part of taking caring of yourself is establishing a healthy balance in your life which also includes a good physical workout routine. There are several no cost programs available to student veterans within the local Milwaukee area. For additional suggestions, visit your veteran advisor.
Yoga
The health benefits of yoga include stress reduction, increased fitness, enhanced focus, pain relief and weight loss. There are also breathing exercises and simple poses designed to reduce stress and increase strength and balance.
Warrior Stance Yoga and Relaxation Sessions
Veterans Hospital (Bldg 43, Rm B105)
Tuesdays 4:15 – 5:15
Website: http://www.milwaukee.va.gov/services/Yoga_and_relaxation.asp
Warrior Stance Yoga and Relaxation Sessions
Veterans Hospital (Bldg 43, Rm B105)
Tuesdays 4:15 – 5:15
Website: http://www.milwaukee.va.gov/services/Yoga_and_relaxation.asp