Be a life-long learnHer.

As veterans, we have gained so much from our military experiences. Every one of us knows courage, commitment, service, and sacrifice.

We can refer back to the tests of life, whenever we are fearlessly facing another challenge because there is a lesson on the other side of that next test.

Life is full of opportunities and we learn from each and everyone whether we take it or not. Whether there is doubt or fear, joy or stillness, attached to an opportunity, we know we can learn valuable lessons about ourselves and our power.

In the Air Force, I was an Aerospace Ground Equipment mechanic. As a technical sergeant stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, I had the opportunity to apply for an instructor position at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

My husband and I were burned out from deploying back to back between 2005-2008, while trying to raise our two kiddos, both under two years old.

I contemplated this Instructor duty opportunity and how it would impact my family, living overseas away from both of our extended families, the possibility of fewer deployments, and I worried a lot about not knowing enough about my job to be able to teach it.

The Imposter Syndrome (or Phenomenon), bothered me more than anything. This opportunity was available and I was fully qualified, had enough experience in my job and all I had to do was apply, so why did I doubt myself now?

I had to have a conversation with myself. I did not get to 10-years of service by being afraid to try. I figured that if I failed at teaching, and if I really didn ’t know anything about my job, I would at least learn that.

I knew that I would learn something from the experience. That’ s all I needed to tell myself, and that’ s all I needed to hear….I submitted my application with the click of a button.

I decided I would not pass up this opportunity to learn something new...about myself, about my job, about my family, about life in Japan! A few months later, I was notified that I was selected for the job and had orders for Instructor training school before I reported for duty.

It was the absolute best assignment in my military career. I learned so much about the equipment just by teaching it, and my confidence increased exponentially. I loved my job. I loved being a maintainer, an instructor, and a mom!

The best advice I ever gave myself is don ’t be afraid to learn from every opportunity. If you ’ re on active duty, take advantage of any opportunity that interests you because you will learn something about yourself from the experience.

Education is not just about getting a college degree. Education is learning and learning is growing. Grow yourself.

Post-service I am learning that there are amazing opportunities for us to continue to grow and develop both personally and professionally! If you are interested in a specific skill or field such as farming, volunteering with an organization in that specialty is an excellent cost-effective way to learn more about it. Veteran organizations are everywhere and always seeking members or volunteers (volunteering may be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions so be sure to check with the organizers for guidance). Just showing up to an event is a learning experience in itself. Check out this great website for volunteer opportunities in your area. Challenge your comfort zone and show up. https://www.volunteermatch.org

Taking advantage of our education benefits is an excellent way to get paid while attending college courses to finish a degree. Especially when we are stuck in the house during the pandemic, attending online courses is a great way to stay socially connected, virtually, and before you know it you’re that much closer to completing a degree! Check out more information on education benefits at https://www.va.gov/education/change-gi-billbenefits/

Women veterans are an unstoppable force and our community stands ready to support our unique interests and needs.

We can be a mentor to other women veterans who may be experiencing situations we ourselves have gone through, and sharing our stories and advice is a powerful gift of inspiration and resiliency for others. Or we can seek out mentors for ourselves.

Learn more about this program at https://www.ementorprogram.org/militarywomen-ementor/

Developing a growth-mindset is at the heart of life-long learning. When we understand that we will never know everything about everything, we can learn to receive new information and experiences with an open heart. Be fearless and fiercely open-minded to new experiences and perspectives. Never be afraid to try something, anything! Show up, keep an open mind, and you will be a life-long learnHer in every opportunity!

Laura 'L Cool J' Jones

U S A I R F O R C E

Laura Jones is a fearless introvert and enjoys challenging herself to step out of her comfort zone. She served in the Air Force for 23 years of service as an Aerospace Ground Equipment (2A6X2). Her husband is also a retired USAF veteran and together have two teens and three lovable Pitbulls.