Learning Together: Connecting Veterans and Students

UWG honored its military students and veterans with a Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Nov. 7th.

Held by the Center for Adult Learners and Veterans, or CALV, the event gave the opportunity for non-military students to hear from their military peers.

Justine Furr, a veteran student and Student Assistant at the CALV, was among three panelists speaking with students, staff and faculty and answering questions about military student life. As a psychology major, Furr has benefited from being a part of the CALV.

“I have a nice, quiet space to do any work,” said Furr, a medically-retired Senior Airman of the United States Air Force. “I can come to any staff member at the CALV for assistance with resources or questions about my classes. Also, I can come to any staff member if I am having any personal issues as well as class issues.”

The organization provides a safe space for members to interact and do schoolwork as well as receive counsel and advice from the staff. The transition from military life to college life can be rough, but CALV aims to make that transition smoother.

“Some of our work in the military can transfer to certain colleges,” said Furr. “You can take what you have been doing and apply it to a higher education that will help you find and pursue your vocation in life. Plus, we already have the structure of responsibility to help us maintain our education path.”

Furr wants non-military students to know that veterans are still people. She believes that the student body could benefit from talking to veterans or any military-related individuals.

“We can be a person that they look up to for guidance with how to stay focused and give it your all in each class that you attend,” said Furr. “We can show great work ethics to those who may be lacking certain aspects of a good working ethic. We can help educate them on our experiences, which may relate to a class they are currently attending or will attend in the future.”

CALV helps ease the transition from military to college, but military students and veterans experience the same highs and lows as everyone else. Non-military students can learn a lot from UWG veterans by talking to them and learning from their experiences.

“Although you may not see our everyday struggles, we have them just as any other student does. Whether it’s a physical or mental health struggle, we all have them,” said Furr. “Just know that we appreciate it when you ask about what we did. Treat us with respect and we will treat you with respect.”

Learning Together: Connecting Veterans and Students

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