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After recent actions from the U.S. President against Iran, the political climate ia all but harmonious. With talks of enacting a military draft, a possible World War, and considering the large amount of military and international students at Wright State, how will students be affected?
Military students
If military action was to be taken, this would affect those students that are in the Army National Guard, Air Force or international guard in Ohio, or those on reserve status, as well as active-duty students.
“Where those students are concerned, if things escalate and they have to deploy, we [will] work to make sure that [a] disruption is as smooth and seamless as possible,” said Dr. Seth Gordan, director of the Veteran and Military Center (VMC.)
While there are resources that explain to students what they should do if they get deployed, students are encouraged to pay attention and communicate as much as they can with their faculty.
Inform your professor of your position in the National Guard, reserve or military and ask for recommendations. Don’t wait.
“We do guarantee they don’t have to pay to reapply; they will be readmitted and start where they want and will get a full refund no matter what happens,” said Dr. Gordon.
Gordon also stresses the importance of not acting until you see orders.
Often, students will offer to bring their schoolwork while on active duty. Gordon strongly advises against this; focus on your mission.
“For those students that are in those situations, their education may be disrupted, and it’s our job to make sure that it’s easier for them to finish when they come back,” said Gordon.
International students
For international students, in the study abroad program or involved with the University Center for International Education (UCIE), concerns as to who they can go to for support might cause worry. Dr. Szilvia Jenei, licensed psychologist for Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) and liaison with UCIE, advises students in need to utilize counseling services.
“The beginning of the semester can be a challenging time for students as they adjust to new schedules and classes. For international students, they may also be adjusting to a new environment and city,” said Dr. Jenei. “When students begin to notice that they are feeling overwhelmed and/or worried, or they notice changes in their eating/sleeping patterns, I would encourage them to talk to someone. Staff at UCIE and CWS are available to provide support and assistance to students.”
Another great resource available for any student to utilize is Student Advocacy and Wellness.
Aside from these services, it is also important for the campus and community, as a whole, to show support.
“Support can be shown by asking one another how the other person is doing, feeling, thinking. So often people ask ‘how are you’ and the immediate response is ‘fine’ or ‘ok’ but if we noticed that our friends or peers are behaving differently, or are showing signs of isolating/withdrawing from others, maybe their ‘I’m fine’ response is masking what’s truly underneath (fear, worry, isolation),” said Jenei.
CWS is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
