Diversity at AU is discussed in terms of gender, race, sexual orientaion, political affiliation and more, but often overlooked is the diversity of experience in students' backgrounds. Among Hill interns, international students, students who with full time jobs, we share our classes and TDR table with students who have served in the military.
Especially in a highly criticized war, with soldiers fighting in a country they never should have been sent to in the first place, it's easy to forget that the military serves people in many ways, not just a chance to defend the country or fight for his or her ideals. For some, it affords the opportunity to go to college. Others are lured to the idea of worldly adventures and an escape from boredom.
There are benefits to those who don't serve as well. Students with a record in the military can offer an entirely different perspective in classroom discussions than those who have lived in New Jersey their whole lives, or even those who have traveled the world but are currently stuck in the "AU bubble." Moreover, the courage to willingly volunteer for all the unknowns of military service is truly inspiring.
