Boots 2 Books

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...

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...

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 di...

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 s...

On this episode, the B2B team explore money management for military members in a clear and helpful way. Covering key topics like pay schedules, travel cards, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the conversation highlights the unique challenges of managing finances under military regulations, while also addressing the potential pitfalls of predatory lending practices targeting service m...

The B2B team dives into military jargon, exploring terms and concepts they encounter that may perplex civilians. This episode aims to bridge the gap between military and civilian perspectives, and foster understanding through communication. Host Rebecca Allen draws from her experience with the Army, to explain essential terminology and get her co-host Dustin Abrego briefed, ready for duty, and Osc...

On this episode, the B2B team are joined in studio by Erika Espinza, Transfer Advisor Coordinator for Envision Green, a program that supports students transitioning from Lansing Community College to Michigan State University. With an emphasis on early engagement, the program aims to clarify common misconceptions about transfer eligibility, and spotlight how students can connect with advisors even...

On this episode, the B2B team return to finish their conversation about the often difficult transition from military to civilian life. Through heartfelt stories from guests Roy Fernandez and Dillon Bowling, both reflect on the psychological challenges they faced as veterans of reintegration. After having been tuned to a rigid military structure and mindset, many veterans struggle to adapt to the m...

On this episode, the B2B team are joined in the studio by Roy Fernandez and Dillon Bowling, both veterans and students navigating their academic paths at LCC. They share their unique experiences as veterans, who have not only transitioned back to civilian life, but also transitioned into higher education. As they attest to, many veterans feel unprepared for life after service, highlighting the imp...

On this episode, the B2B team dive into higher education terminology, particularly focusing on jargon that may be confusing or clouded by the institutional "fog of war." They dissect key differences in terms such as 'president', 'dean', and 'provost', providing context for their origin in use, as well as clarity on their everyday purpose within academic institutions. The discussion aims to demysti...

The B2B team welcome Justin Coates into the studio to talk about the Veterans Adventure League, an initiative that fosters camaraderie among veterans through Dungeons & Dragons. Exploring the importance of mental health support and community engagement, they discuss how shared experiences can alleviate social isolation. The episode highlights the benefits of connecting veterans with one anothe...

This podcast episode features Andrew Cosgrove, the director of the Center for Veteran Family Support at Lansing Community College (LCC). He shares his insights on the vital role of education in facilitating the transition from military service to civilian life. Andrew emphasizes that while military experience is valuable, it is often insufficient on its own for securing desirable employment; a rel...

Join hosts, Dustin Abrego and Rebecca Allen, as they welcome Bill Krieger into the studio to discuss the Veterans Archives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recording and archiving the histories of veterans. Every veteran has a unique story that deserves to be told, regardless of the nature of their service, and sharing one’s story is not merely an act of remembrance but a vital process of he...

On this episode of B2B, Dustin welcomes new co-host Rebecca Allen to the show for a conversation exploring the barriers veterans may encounter when considering higher education. As the VA Coordinator and School Certifying Official for LCC, Rebecca aids students in navigating the various educational benefits and support afforded to veterans and their families. Additionally, they discuss the critica...

This podcast episode explores the transformative journey from military service to academic pursuits, emphasizing the experiences of veterans and military-connected students. Our guest, Courtney Kemp, shares his personal narrative of transitioning from a 21-year military career to higher education, highlighting the challenges and triumphs inherent in this significant life change. He discusses the n...

This episode of B2B Boots to Books focuses on the GI Bill comparison tool, an essential resource for veterans and military-connected students navigating their education options. Hosts Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob provide a detailed walkthrough of how to effectively use this tool to compare different schools, understand tuition costs, and maximize benefits. They emphasize the importance of being in...

This episode of B2B Boots to Books focuses on essential success hacks for veterans and military-connected students navigating their academic journeys. Hosts Dustin Abrego and Kyle Jakob emphasize the importance of establishing effective study habits and creating a conducive study environment. They discuss various study methods tailored to different subjects, highlighting the significance of breaki...

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 complexi...

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, a...

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 thei...

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 fac...

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...

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...

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 peer...

In this episode of Boots 2 Books (B2B), Dustin and Kyle do a 30,000 foot overview of the process of exiting military service ________________________________ Website: Lansing Community College Center for Veteran and Family Support