Photo By Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor | Senior Airman Hannah Meyering, a personnel specialist assigned to the 110th Force...... read more read more
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BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- The Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP) was implemented to assist service members in offsetting the financial burden of furthering their education. The program allows our service members to pursue and achieve their career goals, in and out of the military. It also pays dividends in creating a more professional and operationally-capable force, ready to respond to a variety of tasks and missions when called upon.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question shapes us from a young age. Choosing a career could be one of the most influential decisions a person will make for themselves in their lifetime. The inspiration can come from a multitude of factors and variables in our environment.
Some choose college, some choose to get started in the workforce, and some join the military. The general directive from our mentors, school counselors, and parents is to get a solid education. So many adults are in debt because of this concept, finding themselves in positions that do not fulfill their potential or utilize their specific skill set.
Many employers actively seek candidates with a military background, banking on their inherent loyalty, and self-discipline – values that are cultivated by the basic military training experience. Members of the National Guard can be especially marketable because they bring values and concepts to the table from both a civilian and military perspective.
How does MINGSTAP play a role in developing members of the Michigan National Guard? It enables service members to develop on the values they have learned and take their potential to the next level.
Senior Airmen Hannah Meyering is a perfect example. Her nature and character produced a dream to work with animals. As a young adult, she was not entirely sure where that dream would take her.
After high school, she experimented with college courses and realized it was not the path meant for her, which drove her decision to join the Michigan Air National Guard.
“I started exploring new things and researched joining the Guard. I desired the stability and structure the military provided,” said Meyering.
Meyering returned to Michigan after completing her Air Force training where she began her drill weekends in the 110th Force Support Squadron at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base. While her desire to serve in the military had been realized, she still found herself wondering how to make her dream of working with animals a reality.
“I have a passion for animals, so what if I could do both? I did some research and realized I really wanted to be a pet groomer, and wondered if the military help would pay for it,” said Meyering.
She presented the pet grooming licensing program to the MINGSTAP office to see if it was eligible for coverage. To her surprise, MINGSTAP covered the entire amount of the program. Meyering now works as a pet grooming specialist for a small business in Dorr, Mich.
“I love working the Logistics Readiness Squadron customer service window, and then I get to work with animals throughout the week – it’s the best of both worlds,” she said.
While MINGSTAP has supported Meyering in her civilian career goals, it is also available to build on her military career goals. Utilizing MINGSTAP, Meyering has gained professional experience while developing time management skills and a strong work ethic. She continually builds her capacity to perform when others are counting on her.
“I have considered going back to school to get my Associates in Business, and possibly change my military career field in the future. I would really love to be a military firefighter.”
MINGSTAP grants students $600 per credit hour or $6,000 per year towards college, vocational training or any license a member desires to acquire, including firefighter training.
Working for a small business has helped Meyering realize that she has the potential to expand her repertoire. She is an advocate for exploring new life choices while learning skills within her current career. She expressed that she learns from both the military and civilian work environment.
”I would say as far as customer service skills go, working the LRS front desk has helped me with my civilian career. Because of my civilian career, I also have the customer service skills to address any customer that walks in our doors with respect.”
The process to apply for MINGSTAP is fairly simple. The program has recently made some changes to make it even smoother and more user-friendly.
According to a press release from the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the new language increases efficiency and reduces manpower by eliminating the middle person in the process. A Michigan National Guard member can complete an online application and have tuition paid directly to his or her school. As Meyering's case shows, the program can be utilized to pursue both non-traditional curriculum as well as a traditional academic program.
Meyering had this advice for those guard members seeking tuition assistance:
“Just go for it, start somewhere!”
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2019 03:21 |
| Story ID: | 310880 |
| Location: | BATTLE CREEK, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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