Veterans should receive more counseling opportunities

Nov 3 2009 - 10:59pm | Gabrielle Samples

I have not been directly affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but it isn’t hard to overlook the fact that our country has been involved in each of these wars for almost a decade.

As soldiers make the transition from combat grounds to college campuses, they are immersed into a completely different environment. They are required to take on new challenges on top of those encountered when facing war.

University communities should not only work to make veterans feel welcome on campus, but they should also provide adequate services and support for the new students.

According to the university Counseling Center Web site, during the 2006 to 2007 academic year  there was an unexpected increase of veterans enrolling at Texas State and other universities. Of those prospective students, between 11 and 17 percent of those soldiers were estimated to need medical attention because of certain issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

Students may not recognize the stress veterans are dealing with in relation to schoolwork and social life because of a lack of understanding.

Students may thoughtlessly ask questions about their war actions, not thinking about the impact it could have on the former soldier. Yes, soldiers should be honored and recognized, but we should not dwell on their experiences in war.

It is important to see them as fellow classmates.

The Counseling Center Web site offers guidance to faculty and staff on how to assist troubled veterans. However, the site lacks information for students who may know a former soldier. As students, veterans do not only associate with professors and other members of the staff.

In order for students to become more aware of this issue, the same guidance should be made available to those who inevitably come in contact with veterans on a daily basis.

I believe our university, as well as others, should raise awareness of ways to engage with veterans who struggle with the adjustment to civilian life without making them feel estranged or misunderstood.

In the Oct. 29 issue of The University Star, the growing concern among veterans on campus about the shortage of appropriate services was revealed. Texas State provides services through the Counseling Center and the Student Health Center for veterans, but those in significant need seek more support.

University officials should prepare to accommodate the needs of this growing population. Services that cannot be provided at the Student Health Center are offered in Austin, but the university should strive to help veterans succeed by increasing the services provided.

In order to enhance the college experience for veterans at Texas State, the university must plan to expand its bounds in educating students and allocate more resources for assistance in the future.

—Gabrielle Samples is a public relations sophomore

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