Evoke Issue #3 by Evoke Magazine

VO L. 3 NO. 1 2 01 6

A C BU/OPS S T U D E N T P U B LI CAT I O N

CONTENTS

SURVIVING OPS

EQUIPPED FOR SERVICE

I’M INSPIRED BY...

FROM ONE BEGINNING TO ANOTHER

STRIVING STUDENT

FROM DREAMS TO PLANS

E V O K E I N S P I R AT I O N .

Lauren Rios Editor In Chief

nspiration comes from within. There is a voice inside of us that motivates us to get up the morning, and go out and make dreams come true. Inspiration is not limited; it comes in many forms. It could be a particular person in your life. This person inspires you to work harder, to make a better life not only for yourself, but for them too. Inspiration can come from an experience that changes a person to their core and that evokes inspiration in their lives. Inspiration comes from a fire that God places in your heart. It is a motivation, a push in the right direction, to better your life and follow the path that God has for them.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

I find myself inspired by the beauty that surrounds me. God has graced me with the privilege to travel around this beautiful world and see some incredible things. There is also inspiration that comes through hardships and pain. This past year has been a whirlwind for me. I was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease that caused severe struggling in my life. I was unable to do the simplest of things. Living with an incurable disease has pushed me even harder to fight for a beautiful life and through the grace of God I have been inspired to follow my dreams even more. Getting my Master’s degree in public relations at California Baptist University has inspired me to pursue anything that God places on my heart. Through struggle comes great stride. I hope and pray that you find inspiration in your journey, and know that God is always guiding you.

Ana Custodio

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 1

S TA F F

FROM THE STREETS TO THE CLASSROOM

Lauren Rios

DESIGN EDITOR Lee Comings

MANAGING EDITOR Adrian Garcia

WRITERS Christian More C.L. Lopez Dylan Hake Holly Pope Joi Harris

17 PUTTING VETERANS FIRST

FACULTY ADVISORS Dr. Mary Ann Pearson Professor Sam Park

“If I truly wanted to live my purpose, which is CBU’s model, I needed to know more about communication”

nspiration comes from passion. Passion to be successful and inspiration to do something extraordinary. The students in the California Baptist University Online Professional Studies program, find inspiration from their families, which leads them to pragmatically strive to earn their degrees to provide a better future for their loved ones. Robert Rivera, an English major with a passion for writing and graphic design, h opes to do more with his passion for creativity. “I am inspired by the academic process that sculpts what is already inside, which ultimately gives us

strength to go out into the world and relate to others. Education bridges the gap between us,” Rivera said. Rivera asserts the notion that through the academic and creative processes one cultivates their unique scholarly and creative voice. It is through revealing this unique voice to the greater world that individuals are brought into dia-

logue. Conversations break down various social barriers that hinder human kind from identifying with itself. It is the academic and creative processes that bring strangers into meaningful conversations, and participating in such interactions is what inspires Rivera to pursue educational and artistic endeavors. Early childhood studies major Cheyenne Basore emphasized her passion for teaching kids as a motivating factor for pursuing an education; however, articulating what she found inspiring, and why, was difficult. Basore stumbled upon a story that illustrated what inspires her and explains her passion for teaching. “My friend’s son walked into the DYLAN HAKE

LEE COMINGS

watching the little boy discover and analyze a small piece of nature, and come to the lofty conclusion that it was indeed a treasure, is the academic and creative process in action. Though it is simplistic, it is inspiring to those It was in that moment that Basore like Basore who have a passion for came to the realization that observ- helping others experience and interact ing children com e into their own with the world. and discover r what this beautiful Shannon Dicus, a Deputy Chief of and extraordinary world has to offer the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Dethose who are willing to open their partment, discusses the inspiration eyes and minds was inspirational he finds in his life. While Shannon’s and fulfilling. Sometimes the lit- extensive military and law enforcetle things in life can bring the most ment careers provided him with the joy. “Watching a child discover and opportunity to quickly earn a degree learn is inspiring, and the wonderful in homeland security, he chose to perspective that turns the mundane earn a Master of Arts in Communior the gross into treasure is incredi- cation to efficiently perform his job and support the individuals who inble to watch,” Basore says. Once again inspiration and passion spire him most. room and excitedly lifted up his arm to show us the snail shell that sat on the tip of his finger. He yelled, ‘look Mommy! I found treasure!’ We were on the ground laughing,” Basore said.

the nationwide conflict occurring over the last few years,” Discus said. “As an executive officer, it is my responsibility to do everything I can to reassure the public that officers are doing the right thing.” “If I truly wanted to live my purpose, which is CBU’s model, I needed to know more about communication,” Dicus said. John Quincy Adams said, “Actions ought to inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.” These students reveal the cyclical nature of inspiration that drives individuals to live their purpose, and in living out G od’s purpose their lives are inspiring others to do the same.

result from interacting with others “I am inspired by all the men and through an academic and creative women in law enforcement that get process. In regards to Basore’s story, up and do the job everyday despite

here is no doubt about it, school is hard. It is even harder with a full-time job, children, bills and the rest of adulthood’s responsibilities that require attention and care. Thankfully, Online & Professional Studies a t California Baptist University is designed for students with a full plate.

studying but that discipline is necessary to succeed. Classes in the OPS program are eight week courses instead of the traditional 16 weeks, so keeping up with coursework is an absolute must for survival.

Dr. A. Greg Bowden, Associate Professor of Education, emphasized that planning ahead will help alleviate OPS has created a more conducive environment for stu- stress at the end of the course. “Few of us can do our dents to complete their degrees, especially those with best work under an unrealistic deadline,” Bowden said. hectic schedules. However, OPS students must also There isn’t a strict formula as to how much time is make decisions and cultivate behaviors that promote a needed to complete assignments, but the lesson is that successful experience in the program. it is unlikely for students to succeed without making Higher education requires countless hours in front of a computer and heads buried deep in textbooks. Finding extra time can be rare for students who have several other responsibilities. There is an important distinction between finding time and making time. A student who is making time for school work is readjusting their preexisting schedule and making sacrifices in order to make school a priority. Finding time is simply squeezing school work into a plethora of responsibilities and can cause a student to be spread thin. It takes discipline to make time for coursework and

time to do the work.

Health also plays a large role in a successful OPS student’s life. Eating healthy foods, sleeping well and getting exercise are all ways to ensure a healthy body. A good healthy activity to practice is to exercise while taking breaks from staring at a computer screen for hours on end. Beth Groves, Assistant Professor of Public Administration at California Baptist University, emphasizes that rest is crucial to success.

CHRISTIAN MOORE

LEE COMINGS

“I refer to this as giving your computer a rest. While library also provides “Ask a Librarian” services that your computer is resting, be physically active.” Groves are available by phone, email and text message. SmartThinking, an online tutoring service, students can subsaid. While physical health is important, spiritual health is mit essays, ask questions and schedule personal tutoring sessions; all available online. ultimately what gives us well-being. In scripture, Paul instructed Timothy on the importance of spiritual health. “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come,” (1 Tim. 4:8 ESV).

Professor Groves sees the initiative that students take as necessary to success. “The most important thing is to develop a passion for learning,” Groves said.

Working hard in daily life isn’t just helpful for students, but it is biblical and necessary. “Whatever you do, work Along with making time for coursework and living heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that healthy, there are behaviors and mindsets to help pro- from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your mote success in OPS. Through teaching and interacting reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24 with many students at CBU, Dr. Bowden noticed some ESV). trends with those who performed well academically. When the stress piles on, students of the OPS program “They ask questions, engage with the professor and can ease their minds by utilizing all of the available reother students, and connect what they are learning to sources and to live their purpose. their personal experiences,” B owden said. CBU provides excellent resources for OPS students to excel in their studies. The Anne Gabriel Library has dozens of online databases to find scholarly journals, audio files, videos and more to use for research. The 6

FOR SERVICE

e was j ust 21 years old, had a three year old son, a lost marriage, been kicked out of the military, and had tried just about everything to get clean.

Not only does Stoddard possess a deep love for the church and parachurch, but he also feels called to this ministry. Above all, he summarizes his decision to A desperate man with no faith and an addiction to meth, serve through 1 Corinthians 9:16, which says, “For if cried out to God and checked himself into Full Circle I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boastRecovery (FCR). Stoddard explains that he had reached ing. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not a point where he was broken, destitute and ashamed. preach the gospel!” He recognized that he needed to become both a father The Christian Ministries program has equipped him to to his son and a son to his family. both approach and communicate Scripture more intel toddard expresses that the courses offered in A couple years later, senior Christian studies major, ligently. S Hannis Stoddard, entered the Online and Profession- his program have helped develop a working knowledge al Studies Christian Ministries program at California of Christian ministries. This enables him to competentBaptist University, in order to become better equipped ly preach in both Wednesday and Sunday services. He to serve in his leadership role with the ministry that led also feels that OPS has g iven him the skills to keep the team at FCR faithful to Christian perspectives, which him to Christ and helped him get sober. can often be a challenge within a drug, alcohol and Saved through the ministry of FCR, Stoddard gives back mental health facility. through his service as vice president/ program director in this parachurch organization base out of Norco, Calif. Stoddard believes that the Lord has placed him in this Not only does he engage in personal counseling with a program to keep the mission of saving souls for Christ case load of clients, he also teaches cognitive behav- central in his life, in light of psychological nuances and ioral therapy, relapse prevention, manages counselors, theories that often position themselves as more “effecwrites and maintains program policies and procedures tive” or “relevant.” for accrediting agencies and license requirements. Personally, Stoddard’s relationship with God has grown Beyond his responsibilities with FCR, Stoddard has through each course and has helped him establish spiribeen designated by his church to serve as an assistant tual disciplines. “I have been taught by formidable and astute faculty of God that live their lives as students pastor and elder of Full Circle Chapel. of God through His Word. The qualities are contagious The team Stoddard works with is comprised of around and cause me to want what they have,” Stoddard said. 12 state level drug and alcohol counselors, the CEO who is pursuing an MFT, two marriage and family ther- While Stoddard plans to continue his education apists, one nurse practitioner and a PHD level psychol- through seminary, he believes that the OPS program ogist. Stoddard desired to study theology and the team has equipped him with enough resources to read, interdetermined that it would be useful to have an individual pret, and preach Scripture effectively. Above all, Stoddard expresses that the Christian Ministries program trained theologically on the ministry team. has only, “wet my appetite for the things of theology “We are all going to school to better ourselves for both and ministry.” the clients and our business,” Stoddard said. Possessing both a sense of debt to the program and a compulsion to preach the gospel and serve the addicted, Stoddard continues to serve the church and parachurch ministries.

HOLLY POPE

LEE COMINGS

“FOR IF I PREACH THE GOSPEL, THAT GIVES ME NO GROUND FOR BOASTING. FOR NECESSITY IS LAID UPON ME. WOE TO ME IF I DO NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL!” 8

eople pursue higher education for a variety of reasons. Students of Online and Professional studies at California Baptist University are no different. Many freshmen enter with varying hopes and complete their experience with a sense of growth and accomplishment. Students enter the OPS program with different levels of fear and excitement, but Steve Schlom, freshman public relations major, claims that the program helped him develop as a student quickly. “This program has already helped me grow into a pumped up student that wants to learn and succeed,” Sclom said. “The program is new for me so the future is unknown, but I feel really good about it.” Damaris Navarro, freshman public relations major, explains that one aspect of the online program that

made her nervous was the lack of in class instruction with a professor. By the end of their program, many students identify the personal guidance they received from professors as a highlight of their OPS experience. “I have had professors who have prayed for me and advised me on what steps to take in order to better my life. As a result, I haven’t given up on my education,” says Mesrop Khachaturyants, senior public relations major. As students begin their journey, many express a desire to be mentored. Jessica Sanchez, freshman public relations major, expresses a desire to join organizations and apply what they learned. Khachaturyants gained a deeper appreciation for his studies through the opportunity to meet notable public

10 9

relations professionals while attending events organized by the Public Relations Society of America. Dr. Pearson, Director of M.A. in Public Relations and Chair, helps connect students with these opportunities.

Megan Mingura, senior public relations major, explains that as a new Christian, her current courses and Bible classes have helped her to grow spiritually and connect with the Lord.

As seniors prepare to finish the program, many of them emphasize the ways they have been equipped for the future.

Success can often be difficult to measure. Comparing freshman goals with the accomplishments of seniors surveyed, OPS seems to be successfully bridging the two. After the last assignment has been submitted and diplomas have been delivered, Sanchez says she would like to be able to encourage others to pursue their educational goals.

Elyse Lamonde, senior public relations major, says she agrees that this program has helped her gain skills such as organization, planning and writing. Khachaturyants says that she has grown in research, study skills, conflict resolution, interpersonal communications and relationships.

“I was given all the proper tools to succeed in this program. I am living my purpose,” Sanchez said.

Not only has the OPS program equipped students with professional skills but many students also experience spiritual growth. 11

HOLLY POPE

LEE COMINGS

inals, midterms, and sleepless nights, make any student cringe. Now, add a family to take care of and a full time job. Most students are more likely to run in the opposite direction but Mayra Alfaro, a first year business administration major, takes a different perspective. Alfaro is a full-time undergrad student at California Baptist University Online Professional Studies, a full time mother to her son, and an account executive for a healthcare executive recruiter firm. Being a full-time student, mother, and having a full-time job seems like a daunting task, almost impossible, but thanks to the OPS program Alfaro has been able to not only work her way through the program but also excel at it. Originally, Alfaro began her student career studying biology in 2005. Unfortunately, she was six units short and was not able to finish her degree. Ten years later, Alfaro decided to return to college, this time as a business major. Juggling every task in her busy schedule is not easy

and there is a disadvantage to this type of work load as a parent.“The most difficult part of juggling school and being a parent is that my quality time with my son sometimes suffers,” Alfaro said. “There have been times where my son goes to his desk and tells me he is doing homework and that he is busy. When he first said that, it broke my heart. I want to be present in his life and as a full time working mom, I am not home with him five days a week.”

“I am looking into some Master’s degree programs as well. I want to be able to empower other Christian moms so building my own business right now made sense as well as becoming a healthcare recruiter.”

Some may say that online school is simple; while online studies have its upsides, there are also challenging aspects.

Online studies have its perks that traditional school does not. One advantage is that OPS offers flexibility. A student can turn any room into a classroom. This is one of the things that make online studies so appealing to students that have a lot on their plate.

“Attending online classes are equally difficult when compared to the traditional environment” says Joe Putulowski, professor of business administration at CBU. Putulowski explains through this program, each student will have gained expertise in the core four: Academically prepared, Biblically rooted, Globally minded and Equipped to serve. How they go about accomplishing this is up to each student’s preference and ANA CUSTODIO

LEE COMINGS

flexibility of schedule.

For Alfaro, enrolling in the OPS program probably was not the most ideal option since she is a visual learner. Having been a biology major, hands on experience was not only something she was never short of, but it was also her favorite thing about her classes.

requires that a student be dedicated and perfect time management skills. Scheduling study time is crucial to success in online courses. “I am looking into some master programs as well. I want to be able to empower other Christian moms so building my own business right now made sense as well as becoming a healthcare recruiter,” Alfaro says.

In Alfaro’s opinion, to be successful in online courses 12

n life, when you have a dream it takes work, dedication, perseverance, coffee and a whole lot of Jesus. Linaja Duncan, a California Baptist University alumna, made her goal of becoming a lawyer a possibility with hard work, devotion and God on her side. A Michigan native, Duncan attended CBU for her undergrad, receiving her degree in political science with an emphasis in philosophy. She proceeded to obtain her Master of Arts in public relations from CBU Online Professional Studies in 2012. She is currently attending law school at Pepperdine University and is expected to graduate from law school in 2016. Duncan discusses how she came to the school she knows and loves and how she will continue on in her career. “I honestly believe that CBU chose me. When I was considering various universities, my cousin mentioned CBU. I visited one time and fell in love. Listening to chapel worship convinced me that I would feel at home here,” Duncan says. “I decided to take a year to prepare better for the LSAT and used that time to get an MA. It was a wonderful decision for many reasons. It was convenient, flexible and a good use of time. The next year, I was accepted to every law school that previously waitlisted me.”

planner, Duncan reminisces on her OPS days that were filled with coffee, responding to emails, checking message boards, along with completing assignments and readings. “CBU online taught me that educated people can be loving, kind and considerate. Because no one in my family attended college before me, I had this image of college grads as being a bit uppity. I learned that I was completely wrong, knowing that an education is a tool for good and not a weapon to separate people is invaluable,” Duncan said. Ted Meyer, Dean of Enrollment Services for Online Professional Studies reminisces on getting to know Duncan when he was an adjunct professor. “Students in (the) class that I taught would look to Linaja and say she really has her life together. She is organized, she is structured, she comes to class prepared, she is not afraid to tell you what she thinks,” Meyer said. “I think she is an inspiration to people. She is an inspiration to me.” Countless hours in front of a computer screen has brought Duncan to her true goal of becoming a lawyer. This is just one example of the many ways that God is using the students at CBU Online and Professional Studies to inspire others to go and do great things not only for themselves, but to glorify God through the talents he has given them.

CBU was key for Duncan’s future success as a lawyer. The skills she learned in her undergrad and graduate work would prepare her for her true passion of working with families in career. Before heading off to law school to become an estate

LAUREN RIOS

LEE COMINGS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LINAJA DUNCAN

he transition from chief of police to professor has been an easy one for Dr. Mark Kling.

The associate professor of criminal justice at California Baptist University Online and Professional Studies made the move to higher learning in 2012, after more than three decades in law enforcement. During that time, Kling fought crime, dealt with personnel matters and navigated political situations with elected officials. He experienced matters of life and death, including the loss of a police officer. Kling’s experiences have assisted him in translating course theory into practical application that benefits his students and their careers and ultimately the communities they serve. Kling also has 10 years of previous teaching experience at the University of La Verne, where he was an adjunct instructor.

Those experiences are now being used to help shape the next generation of public servants. The former Rialto police chief mentors students in job application, processing, oral interviewing and promotional preparation, including career guidance. He credits the practical experience with helping him “interpret course theory and translate it into how the real world of the criminal justice system actually works,” he said. “From my law-enforcement career, beginning when I was a field training officer, I had interaction with ‘students’ of law enforcement, mainly new police officers who entered the field training program after graduation from the police academy,” Kling said. “As an associate professor at CBU, I interact with current police officers, deputy sheriffs, and corrections officers, in addition to individuals who want to pursue a career in law enforcement or the criminal justice arena.”

Kling noted there is a clear distinction between law enforcement and the classroom, where students have eight weeks to determine a viable outcome or situation, compared to law enforcement, where officers make split-second decisions that are constantly being examined after the fact for weeks, months and sometimes years. He explained that students may make mistakes as they are learning and determining if there was a more rational outcome, but law enforcement mistakes can be costly in the form of a person’s life or career. Being in the classroom has been a learning experience for Kling, who embraces learning as a two-way cycle. “As much as I think I’m teaching my students, I am also open to learn from them. I have learned so much from many of my students. I have mainly learned that there is no cookie-cutter approach to college learning,” he said. “The material may be contemporary, but as the course content is delivered, life is happening around us, especially the dynamics of organizational life. ... Learning this balancing act is challenging and it is a constant lesson.”

C.L. LOPEZ

LEE COMINGS

Kling said the most rewarding part of his job is to watch a student begin the criminal justice or graduate public administration program, then graduate with their degree and to know that he was a part of their success. “It is also rewarding when a student informs me that they were hired, or received a promotion, or made a difference in someone’s life because of concepts they learned and used from one of my classes,” Kling said. “I try to get my students to ‘pay it forward’ in life, and when I learn this has occurred, it is truly rewarding knowing the difference my students are making in their workplaces and in our region.” Kling said he has experienced personal and professional growth since becoming a CBU family member. “I do not know what life holds for me, or what God has planned, but being part of this wonderful institution is truly a blessing and has changed my life repeatedly,” he said. “Whatever God’s plan is for me, being part of CBU will certainly help me carry it out.”

PUTTING VETERANS

iridiana Goffinet, a student veteran checks her balance for the spring 2016 semester and like each semester before, is not surprised to see that her hard earned financially aid package has paid for her education. She sighs with appreciation as she logs out of her student accounts, but ponders what she would have done without the aid that she is receiving towards her education. Viridiana looks over to her husband and wonders if there are other student veterans who have the same reservations and worries about how they would pay for college or whether they are adapting to life as a civilian. A beeping sound alerts Viridiana that she has a new message in her Lancer mail. Clicking the email Viridiana smiles as the email has just answered the very questions that she had been contemplating. The email is an invitation to an orientation mixer for a new program at CBU designed to help veterans. With little hesitation, Viridiana clicks the accept button on the invitation and marks her calendar. California Baptist University Online Professional Studies launched a Veteran’s Initiative Program in the fall of 2015. The program provides both incoming and current veterans with access and information to much needed resources and programs and will help students maximize their time as a student and form a strong community to help bridge the gap between solider and civilian life. California Baptist University is a military friendly

university. This means that any student from any branch of the military is welcome at CBU and CBU accepts military educational benefits towards a student’s tuition. The Veterans Initiative program will help students with understanding their benefits, tuition costs, housing and tuition assistance. In addition, the program will be student led, so those involved will get a sense of community that will make transitioning into college life a little easier. CBU currently has many veterans taking classes to earn their degree online. There is a chance that veterans are unaware of how to effectively use their benefits to help pay for their education and who to ask if they run into a problem with those benefits. Dr. Nathaniel Lewis III , a retired CBU faculty member, and Joshua Houston, student and veteran, worked with Dr. David Poole to plan a Veteran’s Initiative. They hope to form a local chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA). The Veterans Initiative orientation mixer was held on November 19, 2015. Several dozen veterans including Viridiana Goffinet were introduced to the program. Veterans were treated to a table of delectable treats and were introduced to several faculty members including Dr. David Poole and Ted Meyer, dean of enrollment services. Dr. Lewis addressed the crowd offering them some advice and encouragement to not just attend CBU, but to pursue their education.

19 JOI HARRIS

LEE COMINGS

PHOTO: CBU MARKETING

“Because of what you have been exposed to, I want you to know that there is nothing that this university can give you that you cannot do. “Lewis said. Joshua Houston, a veteran of the United States Army and the newly appointed OPS Chapter President of SVA, believes that this program is a step in the right direction. “I am honored to be a part of a program that helps veterans in any form. It is great to be building a community to support veterans and aid them in their transition to civilian life,” Houston said. During the mixer Viridiana expressed her interest in joining the SVA and contributing to its success. I had a chance to sit with Viridiana and speak to her about her experience in the army and as a student veteran at CBU. Q: Viridiana, what branch of the military did you serve in and how long were you enlisted? A: I was in the United States Army Reserves (USAR) for a little over 8 years. I signed up April 12, 2001 and was honorably discharged May 19, 2009 after fulfilling my contract. Q: When did you start attending CBU? Online or Traditional? A: I began my journey at CBU in August 2014.

Q: So assuming you did some research about possible colleges, you came across CBU. Why did you choose CBU? A: The reason I chose to attend CBU was because it offered an excellent Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program. It seemed to offer qualities I was looking for in a graduate setting; small classes for more one on one time with professors, a serious yet encouraging environment, and a personable administration. I also liked the flexibility of the hybrid option. Being a working professional and a wife, I needed a schedule in which I could do things from home while also having some class time to interact and learn from other classmates. It was the best option for me. Q: As a veteran, how has CBU helped you pursue your degree? A: My experience with the Veterans Services at CBU has been very good overall. I had a couple of difficulties and delays getting things started, but Mr. Leader (Academic Records Coordinator for Veteran Services) worked diligently to help me get set up and start receiving my benefits.

A: It was such an encouraging experience to attend the Veterans Initiative. I enjoyed meeting other students as well as staff members that know what it means to serve our country in such capacity. The program truly seems to have the veteran’s best interest in mind, and I see myself being an active participant in it. It would be rewarding to help other veteran students in their journey to educational and professional advancement. Q: What would you like to see happen in the future from the resources? A: I would like to see more involvement from the veteran community at CBU. I would like to see continued support for the veteran students, as well as schoolwide cultural awareness of this population. Q: If you could speak with other veterans, what advice would you give them about pursuing their education? A: There are so many benefits, both professional and personal, that can come from an education. Pursuing

an education is a major step in advancing careers as public servants. Whether remaining in the military or branching out to other professions in government, having a degree from a well reputed educational institution may give the individual the backing they need in the competitive market. A job applicant can get lost in a sea of online resumes; a degree can help the individual stand out among peers and make the difference in getting the position. The same can be said for employment in the private sector. Competency is important when applying for a job. Lord Brougham once said that “Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave.” The freedom to learn and reason has always been ours, but the financial encouragement to further a formal education is not afforded to everyone. As veterans, take the opportunity given and use the financial services offered through the VA to further your education. Take your experiences and unique outlook to enrich your studies and the learning of those around you. Take the education you earn to become better citizens and actively participate in the improvement of society.

Q: What was your first impression of the Veterans Initiative after the orientation? Do you see yourself utilizing the resources or joining the program?

“A resource like this will help shine light on the issues that veterans often face and provide solutions and help for those problems.”

PHOTO: CBU MARKETING

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