Kalata-Week 3-G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans

Activities
-Transfer Orientation
-Freshmen Orientation
-Green Zone Training program evaluation
-Research on G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery

Reflection

Thursday a student walked in during the night orientation that had an enormous impact on me. This student is an incoming freshmen. She and her brother walked in to the room the G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans has at nights. She was greeted as any other student had been. However, when discussing her situation with the benefits counselor, I began to understand her unique situation. This student’s father, a veteran, recently passed away in a VA hospital. She filed the appropriate paperwork that would let her know what her benefits are and allow her to keep them, unfortunately she has not heard anything. In the meantime, she has been living with her brother and his wife. Her brother is very involved; he expressed concern that Mississippi State is far away (they live in another state) and wants to ensure his sister is taken care of. The care and concern the brother had for his sister, the lack of guidance the family has received, and the sadness of the loss in the family touched me. Unfortunately, the student got no definite answer other than “we will look into it” because the military did not give her the proper paperwork to inform the Center on what benefits she is eligible to receive. The collaborative efforts from the staff to offer the best experience for the students and their families are evident in this situation. Each staff member took interest in this student’s situation. A point person was assigned; Ken has contacts in the student’s home state and will be contacting them to get more information for the student. It is situations like this that fuel my desire for Student Affairs. Getting contact information or benefits eligibility information for this student is greater than just that action; the consequences could have life changing (hopefully positive change) implications.

Ken and I discussed my role now that Orientation is over. I am a little apprehensive, but excited. As of now, I am tasked with increasing the reputation of Mississippi State nationally as well as to increase it with the services offered at by the G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans by seeking funding sources. Currently I am beyond excited to be tailoring the Green Zone training to the Residence Life Leadership Training venues. The anxiety-producing aspect is doing research on funding opportunities and resources for the Center. I would like my work to have a lasting impact. However, having never delved into this realm of Student Affairs, I am at a slight loss of direction. If anyone has any insight or information, please feel free to contact me!