Adam Housouer,
WCC Computer/ Electrical Engineering
Student Veteran

(Photo on Left: Adam Housouer with his child on the beach)

Returning to college as a student veteran after a career serving in the military comes with its own unique challenges. WCC student Adam Housouer found Whatcom Community College during a visit to the Bellingham Veterans Center. Someone mentioned to him that there was a program called Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) which could help with education. Adam then met with Jarid Corbitt, WCC’s Associate Director for Veteran Services in Entry & Advising and applied and enrolled at Whatcom.

His is seeking a degree in computer/electrical engineering and wanted to work while attending college. When he saw an opening for a work study in the Veteran Services office he jumped at the opportunity and was happy to secure a job supporting other WCC student veterans which he finds incredibly rewarding.

His is actively looking at what is next and exploring his career options. Aware that the job market is already tough for the current generation he wonders if that will make it more challenging for him to find a job as more mature student.

“I am not necessarily in this for money. I am more interested in knowledge and growth, which is something I have sought out my entire life. Something that piqued an interest career wise one day while talking with Jarid, is teaching. I never thought of myself as being an instructor, but he mentioned my positivity and excitement when explaining about the subjects I am studying to other student veterans. I enjoy seeing younger minds move up the academic ladder and I am optimistic for the future that they bring.”

Barriers he faced coming back to school as a self-described “older student” and veteran included navigating the current academic systems, mental health challenges, testing scores and time management. He hopes that sharing his perspectives on what he faced will help other students. Receiving support from faculty, staff and his peers has been key to his success at while Whatcom and has widened his perspective on what other students experience as well.

“I had not been in school since the late 90s and at that time I absolutely hated it. I would cut classes because I was more interested in surfing, music, and skateboarding. So, my ideas about education were based on my childhood school experiences. Time management is certainly an issue and is something that I had never previously focused on and is still something I struggle with. My testing scores have been particularly challenging. They needed some work and are something I am still working on overcoming. My time management issues have a lot to do with that. I struggle with a few different mental health issues which puts a heavy weight against my academic climb. But I tend not to use those as excuses, but they introduce a substantial hurdle for me. I seek outside help for through the VA, the Bellingham Vet Center, and my colleagues.”

“Imposter syndrome is also something I face, which I imagine might be a struggle for a lot of students. Not feeling confident with the knowledge, I am gaining sometimes makes me feel like I do not belong in the classes I am currently taking. It’s hard to fully describe the range barriers I run up against, there are many when returning to college as a veteran student. But that said, life is full of barriers and trying to overcome them helps us grow and become who we want and hope to be.”

He embraces a mindset of perseverance which he credits to what has most helped him succeed at WCC. “Perseverance is key. Keep pushing forward no matter the difficulty of the subject. I have learned in life and even more so while attending college how important it is to put one foot in front of the other. This is not a race for me, this is a drip feed of information. Some of what I am learning sticks and a lot has not but seeing that the further I go with my education that the things that did not previously stick start to appear more clearly and I start to understand them better.”

On surmounting the challenges, he faces, he shared this, “I have almost given up on multiple occasions, but reflecting on my experiences here and using the resources around me has always guided me to keep going. Talk to your instructors, let them know if you are struggling. I think you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that they care and want you to succeed. Take breaks and give yourself time to soak in the material you are learning. Give that muscle in your head a rest, it’s equally as important as working it out. Burn out sucks, so try and space out your assignments so they do not pile up. I try and do this, and it's not always easy for me. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you fall. Learn from it and keep gaining ground. Failing sucks but maybe think of an F - as your F-irst time learning it. No more Zero days...Everyday try and accomplish something. Hopefully, it is something for your classes, but if for some reason you just can't bring yourself to study, then do something productive for yourself.”

“If you are having a downer day, rest. I have had the opportunity to speak candidly with multiple instructors at WCC and I find, and they want you to succeed and to ask for help if you need it, they seriously enjoy us and want to help expand our minds.”

When sharing how WCC has impacted him, he said, “WCC has changed my life. I have met some of the best people in my life, there has not been a day yet that I regret getting out of my truck and walking up to the campus. Even during exam days and knowing that I may not do well on the exam, I still value the learning opportunity it gives me. Every day I walk into the Vet’s office here at Whatcom and am put into a decent mood. If not for myself, then for the others around me. Learning is challenging work, and I think it is important to try and create an atmosphere that promotes positivity to help break through any challenges. When others around me are struggling, I feel a duty to help them at the juncture they are in.”

For more of our Student Spotlight stories go to: WCC Student Spotlights