2 answers
Trevor
Student
Summerville, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
247 views
How did you balance being an Active Duty, non-traditional student, with the requirements of maintaining a high GPA for a technically challenging degree?
Pursuing mechanical engineering degree in 3 years. Will be active duty the whole time. Unsure what it’s going to be like to balance military, home life, and school.
Login to comment
2 answers
Denesha Smith, MEL
Yeoman First Class Petty Officer and Freelance Writer
11
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Denesha’s Answer
Hello Trevor,
I know you're feeling concerned, but I want to assure you that achieving your goals is possible. I've been in the Navy for 13 years and managed to earn both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, so I know it can be done. It’s definitely challenging, especially when you're out at sea and not always near a computer, but it’s achievable. The key is good time management and a strong determination to succeed. I made sure to balance my time well, and also took breaks to enjoy my hobbies like going on day trips, taking walks, or playing video games. Whenever work was slow or during lunch breaks, I seized the chance to do homework or read a chapter. I believe you can do it too!
I know you're feeling concerned, but I want to assure you that achieving your goals is possible. I've been in the Navy for 13 years and managed to earn both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, so I know it can be done. It’s definitely challenging, especially when you're out at sea and not always near a computer, but it’s achievable. The key is good time management and a strong determination to succeed. I made sure to balance my time well, and also took breaks to enjoy my hobbies like going on day trips, taking walks, or playing video games. Whenever work was slow or during lunch breaks, I seized the chance to do homework or read a chapter. I believe you can do it too!
Thank you for the advice.
Trevor
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Trevor,
First off, major respect for what you’re doing buddy. Balancing active duty and a mechanical engineering degree is no joke, but That’s next-level dedication right there tbh.
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it man, it’s gonna be tough. You’re gonna be juggling a lot, and there’s gonna be days when it feels like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But here’s the thing: it’s all about flexibility and accepting the chaos. My father was both a military soldier and an engineer, tho I did not watch him do both fields he did give me pretty much tons of life advice. Firstly know Trevor, that you’ll have to roll with the punches. Sometimes you’ll need to change your schedule last minute or make the most of the time you’ve got, even if it’s not a big block of study time.
My second advice would be....don’t be afraid to communicate with your professors or advisors. They’re usually pretty understanding, especially if you’re in a situation like yours. You’re not just another student but you’re serving your country, and most will respect that and help you find a way to make it work.
As for the military side, the structure and discipline you have will absolutely help you manage the chaos. I’ve got a lot of respect for that. It’s not easy to make it through intense training and then come home to hit the books. But remember, it’s okay to have days where you don’t get everything done or need to step back. Just remember....You’re human, my grandpa used to tell me how he always pushed himself to the limits and forgot he was mere human. And being in the military means you’re probably used to thinking on your feet, which is gonna make it easier to switch gears between school and life, so don't stress it to much.
Also, most importantly buddy, don’t forget to make time for yourself, even if it’s just for an hour here and there. It’ll help you stay sane and recharge. That might mean a walk outside, hitting the gym (if you can), or just zoning out for a bit with something non-school related. Trust me, you’ll need those moments to keep that juice brain and body running man.
Trevor, you’re aiming high, and that’s great, but the road won’t always be smooth. When things get hard, just keep reminding yourself that you’re building something big. The high GPA isn’t just about the grades—it’s about showing yourself that you can push through the hardest things and still come out on top.
At the end of the day, know that you’ve got this. Keep grinding, stay adaptable, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. You’re doing something a lot of people can’t even imagine, and that’s something to be proud of. Now, Good luck, and keep pushing forward! You’re gonna crush it bud, and if I missed anything feel free to ask.
Start by breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of aiming for an all-day study session, plan shorter, focused blocks of time.
Create a routine that works for both your military duties and school commitments. Keep it adaptable – things will come up, and you need to be ready to adjust without stressing out.
When you're on duty or have free moments, use that time to review notes, watch quick tutorials, or listen to educational podcasts. You’d be surprised how much you can learn in short bursts, I myself have used postcasts during busy times and it really pays off, just listening alone can have a great impact somtimes.
It’s not always about how many hours you spend studying, but about how efficiently you use that time. Focus on understanding key concepts rather than cramming, and tackle the hardest subjects first when you're most alert.
You won’t be able to do everything. Be mindful of your energy and time, and don’t be afraid to say no to extra commitments that could stretch you too thin. Focus on what matters most and what aligns with your goals.
First off, major respect for what you’re doing buddy. Balancing active duty and a mechanical engineering degree is no joke, but That’s next-level dedication right there tbh.
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it man, it’s gonna be tough. You’re gonna be juggling a lot, and there’s gonna be days when it feels like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But here’s the thing: it’s all about flexibility and accepting the chaos. My father was both a military soldier and an engineer, tho I did not watch him do both fields he did give me pretty much tons of life advice. Firstly know Trevor, that you’ll have to roll with the punches. Sometimes you’ll need to change your schedule last minute or make the most of the time you’ve got, even if it’s not a big block of study time.
My second advice would be....don’t be afraid to communicate with your professors or advisors. They’re usually pretty understanding, especially if you’re in a situation like yours. You’re not just another student but you’re serving your country, and most will respect that and help you find a way to make it work.
As for the military side, the structure and discipline you have will absolutely help you manage the chaos. I’ve got a lot of respect for that. It’s not easy to make it through intense training and then come home to hit the books. But remember, it’s okay to have days where you don’t get everything done or need to step back. Just remember....You’re human, my grandpa used to tell me how he always pushed himself to the limits and forgot he was mere human. And being in the military means you’re probably used to thinking on your feet, which is gonna make it easier to switch gears between school and life, so don't stress it to much.
Also, most importantly buddy, don’t forget to make time for yourself, even if it’s just for an hour here and there. It’ll help you stay sane and recharge. That might mean a walk outside, hitting the gym (if you can), or just zoning out for a bit with something non-school related. Trust me, you’ll need those moments to keep that juice brain and body running man.
Trevor, you’re aiming high, and that’s great, but the road won’t always be smooth. When things get hard, just keep reminding yourself that you’re building something big. The high GPA isn’t just about the grades—it’s about showing yourself that you can push through the hardest things and still come out on top.
At the end of the day, know that you’ve got this. Keep grinding, stay adaptable, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. You’re doing something a lot of people can’t even imagine, and that’s something to be proud of. Now, Good luck, and keep pushing forward! You’re gonna crush it bud, and if I missed anything feel free to ask.
Dr recommends the following next steps: