This episode of B2B focuses on the essential steps for military-connected individuals to transition smoothly into college. Dustin Abrego flies solo on this B2B, outlining four key steps to get started: applying to the college, determining placement levels, seeking academic advising, and understanding financial aid options. Along the way, Dustin offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of college life and the resources available to help veterans and military families succeed academically.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This episode of B2B focuses on essential factors veterans and military-connected students should consider when selecting a school. Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob emphasize the importance of community and support services, such as veteran resource centers, in fostering a sense of belonging on campus. The hosts discuss various types of institutions, including public, private, and for-profit schools, and highlight the significance of accreditation in ensuring the legitimacy of degrees. They also stress the necessity of filling out FAFSA, as it can unlock additional financial aid opportunities beyond the GI Bill. ______________________________

Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This podcast episode delves into the unique challenges faced by military-connected students in higher education, highlighting the importance of creating welcoming college environments. Hosts, Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob, discuss the stigmas that civilians often hold about veterans and how these misconceptions can impact students' experiences. They emphasize that veterans typically outperform their peers academically, yet face significant hurdles in social integration and acceptance on campus. The conversation covers the need for better training for faculty and staff to understand and support veteran students, as well as the importance of fostering a sense of community through consistent engagement opportunities. Ultimately, the episode advocates for treating veterans as individuals beyond their service, encouraging deeper connections and understanding.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

India Perez shares her transformative journey from military service in the Marine Corps to pursuing her education in anthropology, highlighting the importance of finding genuine interests and support systems during the transition to civilian life. As a work-study student and president of the Student Veterans Association (SVA) at Lansing Community College, she emphasizes the challenges veterans face in adapting to academic environments filled with younger peers. India reflects on the emotional growth she's experienced, recognizing how her military background influences her perspective on education and social interactions. By engaging with her family and a newfound group of friends, she's navigated the complexities of civilian life, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to personal development. This conversation offers valuable insights for veterans seeking to transition smoothly into educational pursuits and community connections.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

Hosts Kyle Jakob and Dustin Abrego continue their deep dive into the intricacies of educational benefits available for veterans, with a specific focus on the Montgomery GI Bill for Reservists and National Guard members. They clarify the distinctions between various programs, including federal tuition assistance and state-specific benefits like Michigan's MINGSTAP. They emphasize the importance of understanding how to stack these benefits to maximize financial support for education. The discussion also highlights the potential pitfalls of dropping classes while using VA benefits, stressing the need for students to communicate with their financial aid advisors to avoid unintended financial repercussions. Tune in as they navigate the complexities of these programs and offer valuable insights for veterans and military-connected students seeking to further their education.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This episode of B2B Boots 2 Books dives deep into the myriad benefits available to veterans and their families, focusing on how these resources can be effectively utilized for educational purposes. Hosts Kyle Jakob and Dustin Abrego explore the intricacies of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, detailing its coverage for tuition, monthly housing allowances, and additional stipends for books and supplies. They also discuss the Montgomery GI Bill, highlighting its differences and how it can still be relevant for certain veterans, especially when combined with other state programs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding eligibility and maximizing benefits, urging listeners to consult with educational advisors and utilize resources like va.gov. With insights on transferring benefits to dependents and navigating the complexities of these programs, this episode serves as a valuable guide for veterans transitioning into civilian education.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

This podcast episode focuses on the critical theme of transitions experienced by veterans and military-connected students as they navigate the shift from service to civilian life and academia. Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob continue to share their insights on the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, highlighting feelings of isolation, imposter syndrome, and the struggle to connect with peers who may not share the same life experiences. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing oneself as a knowledge holder and the value of sharing experiences to foster connections. They also discuss the detrimental effects of comparing traumas within the veteran community and the need for a more inclusive perspective on what it means to be a veteran. Throughout the conversation, they encourage listeners to utilize available resources and advocate for their own needs as they embark on their educational journeys.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

In this episode of Boots 2 Books (B2B), Dustin and Kyle do a 30,000 foot overview of the process of exiting military service

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support

Welcome to Boots 2 Books (B2B), a podcast for the veteran and military connected student with co-hosts, Kyle Jakob and Dustin Abrego. Kyle is the Coordinator for Lansing Community College's Center for Veteran and Family Support (CVFS). Dustin is an Academic Advisor for CVFS and the former host of Student Success Stories.

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Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support