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With Washington State’s recent Collegiate Purple Star designation, Assistant Professor and Veterans Club sponsor Chris Carpenter, wanted to provide some background on the history of Veteran education. The signing of The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 is one event in a long line of significant events in the history and current state of education. But this particular event started even before FDR signed the Act on June 22, 1944. The seeds can be seen in the formation of The American Legion in 1919. The Legion was chartered by Congress as a patriotic veteran’s organization which focused on “service to veterans, servicemembers and communities” (The American Legion, 2020). https://www.legion.org/ Assimilation back into society can be a rough road for many veterans. This was the case after WWI. Over 4.7 million American men and women entered military service in 1917. At the war’s end, there were not enough jobs in the labor market to accommodate these returning veterans and many could not make ends meet even with some form of government assistance (History.com Editors, 2019). Congress passed the Bonus Act of 1924 but this did no help as the bonuses were not easily attained and took almost twenty years to finally be paid out. The Great Depression had some effect on this as well. “Never again do we want to see the honor and glory of our nation fade to the extent that her men of arms, with despondent heart and palsied limb, totter from door to door, bowing their souls to the frozen bosom of reluctant charity.” American Legion Past National Commander Harry Colmery, after helping draft the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act in the winter of 1943-1944 Fast forward to December 15, 1943, when Past Nation Commander of The American Legion, Harry W. Colmery began to pen the first draft of the G.I. Bill of Rights – “considered the Legion’s single greatest legislative achievement” (The American Legion, 2020). After the Bonus Act of 1924 failed, FDR and Colmery were ahead of the issues on the horizon for returning veterans. This legislation was about more than education. It focused on quality-of-life aspects such as healthcare, housing, vocational training, and veteran employment services among others. For this discussion, let’s focus on the impact of education. In 1947, 49% of college admissions were veterans. “The G.I. Bill opened the door of higher education to the working class in a way never done before” (History.com Editors, 2019). More than two million American veterans of WWII received at least part of their higher education due to the G.I. Bill. Of these, 238,000 became teachers. As well as the increase in enrollment, colleges and universities were not prepared for the influx of students. Student veterans were faced with not only re-entering civilian life but challenges of housing shortages and other transitional assistance means. Student veterans began forming peer-to-peer support groups on many campuses around the country. During the decades of the 70s, 80s and ’90s veteran enrollment was on a decline and was lower than in the 50s and 60s. In 1984, Mississippi Representative G. V. Montgomery introduced legislation that would make the G.I. Bill permanent – the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB). Still in action today, the MGIB has also undergone some changes after the war. Following the 2001 terror attacks, veterans returning home to use G.I. benefits found it difficult to find adequate support services to reach their educational goals. Again these student veterans arranged peer support groups to aid each other on America’s campuses. They began connecting through social media and grew stronger. In 2008, Student Veterans of America (SVA) was formed “to provide programs, resources, and support to the ever-evolving network of local student veteran organizations” (Student Veterans of America, 2020). SVA along with several other Veteran Service Organizations helped to overhaul the MGIB into the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, which addressed the needs of the 21st century student veteran. President George Bush signed into law the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill June 30, 2008. For this discussion, let’s focus on the impact of education. In 1947, 49% of college admissions were veterans. “The G.I. Bill opened the door of higher education to the working class in a way never done before” (History.com Editors, 2019). More than two million American veterans of WWII received at least part of their higher education due to the G.I. Bill. Of these, 238,000 became teachers. As well as the increase in enrollment, colleges and universities were not prepared for the influx of students. Student veterans were faced with not only re-entering civilian life but challenges of housing shortages and other transitional assistance means. Student veterans began forming peer-to-peer support groups on many campuses around the country. During the decades of the 70s, 80s and ’90s veteran enrollment was on a decline and was lower than in the 50s and 60s. In 1984, Mississippi Representative G. V. Montgomery introduced legislation that would make the G.I. Bill permanent – the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB). Still in action today, the MGIB has also undergone some changes after the war. Following the 2001 terror attacks, veterans returning home to use G.I. benefits found it difficult to find adequate support services to reach their educational goals. Again these student veterans arranged peer support groups to aid each other on America’s campuses. They began connecting through social media and grew stronger. In 2008, Student Veterans of America (SVA) was formed “to provide programs, resources, and support to the ever-evolving network of local student veteran organizations” (Student Veterans of America, 2020). SVA along with several other Veteran Service Organizations helped to overhaul the MGIB into the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, which addressed the needs of the 21st century student veteran. President George Bush signed into law the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill June 30, 2008. This bill allowed for the transfer of educational benefits from the servicemember to the servicemember’s dependent family members. With the rising cost of higher education tuition in America, this was a way for many parents who served in the armed services to afford […]
Selecting a major that you’ll love Choosing a major can be tricky. While some students have already decided what they want to study, others are still trying to figure it out. With so many factors involved in choosing a major that best fits you, this decision can be quite overwhelming. WSCC’s Major Exploration summer program is designed to alleviate your stress and provide you with the opportunity to explore your options. A summer well-spent Our goal is for you to be efficient in your academic pursuits and take only those classes that move you toward your desired destination. Major Exploration is your chance to take one course and see if it’s a fit for you. We are offering introductions to two of our most popular programs: Engineering, and Cyber Security. And by taking a course during the summer, you will have sufficient time to recalibrate if necessary and be ready when the fall semester begins. These classes will be delivered in a range of fashions from fully in-person, online, and Hyflex (in-person with the option to log-in when you can’t be on campus). Classes to explore To learn more: Jacklyn Callihan College Pathway Advisor 740.568.1953 jcallihan1@wscc.ed
By Adrienne Hellinger, RRT-ACCS WSCC Director of Respiratory Therapy ahellinger@wscc.edu When I decided to go into the medical field I knew I wanted to be involved in direct patient care, but I also knew I didn’t want to be a nurse. After researching allied health programs, I learned that respiratory therapy combined all the things I was excited about in healthcare with a specialized focus. I often tell people that the “adrenaline junkies” and people that hate doing the same thing every day are the ones who fall in love with respiratory therapy. You get to interact directly with patients and their families providing therapy, education, and establishing relationships, while simultaneously being a critical player in every healthcare emergency because airway and breathing are the top priority in lifesaving situations. Witnessing my first true medical emergency was when everything “clicked” for me. I watched training, knowledge, and skill combine within the organized chaos of CPR, and a person’s life was saved that day. I wanted to be a part of that. Whether it’s the ICU, ER, surgery, or nursery, respiratory therapists are literally always where the action is in a hospital setting. I can honestly say that within the course of one shift I have found myself in all of those locations providing patient care. But, a hospital setting isn’t for everyone and respiratory therapists can be found in many other roles like pulmonary rehabilitation, home care, outpatient lung testing, and sleep labs testing patients with sleep disorders that affect breathing. Respiratory therapists have the capacity to work in multiple areas, and the capability to treat any patient demographic. This is where our specialized education really shines in the medical field. We are trained to be leaders in all types of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, manage ventilators and other breathing machines, administer drugs to the lungs, monitor cardiopulmonary systems, and measure lung function. When a patient is struggling to breathe I believe they’d choose a provider that spent their whole education training for this moment. That’s when you want a respiratory therapist. I am honored to be in the position of training students to become the healthcare providers our community needs. I cannot emphasize enough how desperately our community needs respiratory therapists right now. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Respiratory Therapy, you can get the training you need right here at Washington State Community College. For details about our RT program, visit wscc.edu/respiratory-therapy or call me for a personal tour of our incredible facilities at 740.885.5690.
There is a misconception that anyone can operate as a massage therapist. At Washington State Community College, we want people to know that our graduates are well-trained in anatomy, physiology, techniques, and the medical-based treatment of pathological conditions. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT) have worked hard to move past an unsavory reputation. We are tested by medical boards and must pass an exam to legally practice. Our licenses or certificates are provided by the state medical board. We complete continuing education training to stay relevant in the field. What is massage therapy? Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the muscles and other soft tissues of the body (as by stroking, kneading, or rubbing with one or both hands or an instrument) by a trained and certified massage therapist for therapeutic purposes (as to relieve pain, promote healing, or improve physical functioning). It is a medical-based treatment and can be used to benefit many issues from anxiety, depression, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis as well as multiple sclerosis, addiction, and post-surgery care. While the definitions of masseuse and massage parlor might be acceptable, it portrays other services and an unprofessional type of atmosphere. We have attended schools and classes to be professionals in our trade to provide services in a professional atmosphere. Legitimate Licensed Massage Therapists will present with confidence and professionalism in every session. The client-therapist relationship is important and respectful. Red flags Be wary of establishments that are open 24 hours or operate past 8 pm. These locations also tend to have obstructed views, out-of-state vehicles, unlisted businesses, and no paperwork. Things to look for when seeking a professional LMT A license must be visible in the treatment area. Make sure your therapist is licensed and has the correct certifications to administer treatment. Many therapists can specialize in advanced modalities such as cupping/ trigger point therapy, deep tissue/ sports massage, or relaxation spa-type services. Look and ask to see proof of these credentials. Along with medical professionals, our goal is to provide maximum-level medical treatment to increase activities of daily living, decrease pain, and return function. While LMTs need to have a firm and transparent stance on zero tolerance for sexual solicitations, a well-educated and supportive community is crucial to dissolve the stigma. Written by Jackie Krider, BS, LPTA, LMT WSCC Massage Therapy Faculty Learn more about WSCC’s Massage Therapy Program. WSCC’s Massage Therapy Program—In the news!
WSCC partners with Student Connections If you haven’t heard, the Department of Education recently released the application for one-time student loan cancellation based on income, as well as extended the payment and interest pause on federal student loans. Washington State Community College wants to make sure every borrower who is eligible for debt relief receives it. We also want to provide help to any borrower with a remaining balance to navigate and prepare for payments to resume January 2023. That’s why we’ve partnered with Student Connections to provide additional support. Their Borrower Advocates can help answer any questions you have and address any issues you encounter with the process to request debt relief. This service is completely free to you. Support You Can Trust While this payment relief is intended to help borrowers, new plans are frequently accompanied by increased scam attempts to take advantage of them. If you are unsure if an offer is legitimate or have questions, a Student Connections Borrower Advocate can help. You may contact them directly Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET at (866) 311-9450. Written by: Reba Bartrug Director of Enrollment Services & Financial Aid
6 ways you can go to college without accruing a mountain of debt. Earning a degree or certificate and improving your career prospects is a necessary investment in today’s job market. The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year was $38,070 at private colleges, $10,740 for state residents at public colleges, and $27,560 for out-of-state residents attending public universities, according to the College Board. However, it is possible to earn your degree with low or even no debt. Here’s how: Enroll at a community college. Community colleges nationwide have significantly lower tuition rates than four-year institutions. At Washington State Community College our in-state tuition is a low $170 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition is only $1 more. For West Virginia residents, thanks to WSCC’s fantastic reciprocity program, you pay in-state tuition rates. Therefore, the average tuition cost for a year at WSCC at the in-state rate is $5,100 (based on 30 credit hours). For those who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can attend a community college for two years and earn your associate degree, then transfer your credits to the four-year institution of your choice to finish your academic goals. The result is huge savings. Apply for grants. Grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Best of all, they don’t need to be repaid. Keep in mind that all grants have different eligibility requirements. Need-based grants eligibility is determined using federal or state formulas and the information you provide on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which you must complete in order to qualify for The Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and the Ohio College Opportunity Grant. Apply for scholarships. There are many organizations and websites that can help you find scholarships that you may be eligible for. At WSCC, we offer institutional and Foundation scholarships. We also encourage students to check for scholarships available from your local community, including your employer, church, and local civic organizations. Work-study. This federally subsidized program is a need-based financial aid award that allows you to work and earn money. To be considered, you must complete a FAFSA each academic year. Join the military. The military pays up to 100% of college tuition while you serve on active duty and also offers the GI Bill® to use for college up to 10 years after leaving the service. Have a plan. Make sure you know how much money you need to attend college and make a budget. This will help you stay on track and avoid taking out loans you can’t afford to repay. Once you’ve committed to going to college, talking with a financial aid representative is the most effective way to ensure you’re making wise decisions when it comes to paying for your degree. If you’re planning to attend WSCC, you can make an appointment with one of our friendly financial aid experts by calling 740.568.1908 or emailing them at finaid@wscc.edu.