Boots 2 Books

On this episode, Larissa Lauer returns to talk about her experiences as a woman serving in the military, while raising a young child and pursuing her education. Larissa shares the challenges of leaving her son for basic training and an overseas deployment, along with the gender barriers she has faced in field artillery. She also explains how supportive leaders have shaped her views on leadership, emphasizing the importance of respect, compassion, and standing up for yourself.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

On this episode, Larissa Lauer is in studio to share her journey of graduating from Lansing Community College, to continuing her education at Michigan State University, all while serving in the Army National Guard. After 10 years in field artillery, she is now exploring ROTC and the possibility of becoming an officer, drawing on her experience as an enlisted soldier to better understand leadership. She discusses the challenges of balancing military service, college, and family while learning what it means to lead from a different perspective.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

On his episode, the B2B team discuss the challenges veterans and military-connected students may face when using VA education benefits, especially during the first weeks of a semester. The hosts explore how dropping or changing classes, missing important deadlines, and general misunderstanding the VA process can lead to delays, reduced housing payments, or unexpected debts. Their conversation highlights the importance to communicate early and often, ask questions, and reach out to the veterans’ services office as soon as an issue arises, so students can avoid unnecessary stress and financial problems.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

On this episode, psychology professor and Marine Corps veteran Dr. Mark Kelland is in studio to discuss the unique challenges veterans may encounter when transitioning into higher education. He emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships, accessible support, and creating classroom environments where veterans feel comfortable seeking help and connecting with others. The conversation also encourages students to stay engaged, to communicate with their professors, establish realistic goals, and develop healthy outlets beyond academics.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

On this episode, the B2B team discuss their recent Vet Net Ally seminar, a training program that helps faculty and staff better support veteran and military-connected students, as they transition to college. The episode explores how the training builds awareness of veterans’ unique experiences, communication styles, and challenges while providing practical strategies for creating a welcoming, supportive campus environment. It also highlights the importance of connecting students with the right resources and meeting their needs through research-based, student-centered approaches.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Vet Net Ally

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

On this episode, the B2B team sits down with Jim Owens, a mental health counselor at Lansing Community College and host of Headroom, to discuss the importance of community, connection, and support for students. Together, they explore common misconceptions about mental health and highlight how reaching out for help can build resilience and improve well-being.

Related Podcast: Headroom with Jim Owens

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

The B2B team is joined in studio by guest Travis Clark, to explore his transition from military service to college. He discusses the value of persistence, learning from setbacks, and making the most of the college experience both inside and outside the classroom. The B2B team also highlights the importance of academic advising and encourages veterans and military-connected students to pursue their educational goals with purpose.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

On this episode, the B2B team returns to the topic of choosing an educational or career path, while still following your passions. They discuss the unique experiences of veterans and military-connected students, as they transition to college, emphasizing the value of purpose when seeking fulfillment. It's a thoughtful conversation about finding purpose, avoiding burnout, and building a future that feels both rewarding and meaningful.

Website: What's the Point? - Tom Rath

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

The B2B team discusses the challenges of choosing a college major, especially for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. They share personal experiences about dealing with uncertainty and finding a path that feels meaningful. The conversation encourages self-reflection, reminds listeners that it's okay to change directions, and highlights the importance of patience while discovering what brings fulfillment.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This episode highlights the important role community colleges play in supporting veterans and military-affiliated students as they transition into higher education. The B2B team sits down with Patrick Forystek, Director of the Michigan State University Center for Veterans and Military Affiliated Students, to discuss how community colleges create a strong sense of belonging and offer personalized support. Together, they explore the cultural differences between community colleges and universities, emphasizing the need for institutions to meet the diverse experiences of veteran students.

Mentioned This Episode

Website: MSU Center for Veterans and Military Affiliated Students

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support