Veterans adapt to a 
new challenge in Central Washington: college

One of thousands of students attending Central Washington University, Christina Ford is also one of several hundred military veterans among them.

The transition from military to civilian can be a big life change; in her case, from the Air Force to Ellensburg. Ford served in security forces from 2009-13.

For one, there’s the age difference between her and her classmates; it’s like comparing high schoolers to middle schoolers, she joked.

“A lot of my co-workers (and fellow students) aren’t even 21,” said Ford, 26.

The age difference is just one example of how, as a veteran, she faces different challenges in adjusting to college life. But CWU supports its nearly 600 veteran students in various ways, from a veterans center to a recently re-formed club for veterans.

Read the rest of the story by Rafael Guerrero in the Yakima Herald-Republic.

May 16, 2016