| For many single mothers, military service has | | | | and Duke, distinguishing themselves in classrooms |
| created career opportunities they never would | | | | just as they did in-country. |
| have imagined before their enlistments. Many | | | | "My service in Iraq taught me more about life's |
| have discovered interests and aptitudes of which | | | | joys and horrors than I ever really wanted to |
| they had no idea, and some have enjoyed | | | | know," says Aracelli Ramirez, now a student at |
| tantalizing tastes of the careers that have filled | | | | the University of Chicago. "Mostly, though, it |
| their dreams since early childhood. Many military | | | | taught me how brave I am, and it reminded me |
| women have begun nursing and healthcare | | | | how much I want to provide for my daughters. I |
| careers, and even more have blazed new trails in | | | | came of age and I discovered my true calling," |
| fields once considered the exclusive provinces of | | | | Ramirez affirms. With support from the GI Bill and |
| men: They have become machinists, mechanics, | | | | federally supported scholarships, Ramirez is |
| engineers, computer and IT specialists, and | | | | studying to become a pediatric Certified Nurse |
| logistics experts-skilled workers as much in | | | | Practitioner. "So many children suffer so |
| demand in the private sector as in the military. | | | | needlessly," Ramirez laments, "I hope I can bring |
| As these single moms prepare to leave the | | | | them some small measure of relief." |
| military and return to civilian life, they hope to | | | | However there are certain eligibility criteria to be |
| continue their personal and professional | | | | followed before moms can think of the GI Bill |
| development, cashing-in on generous support | | | | helping them in their education post their discharge |
| from the New GI Bill. | | | | from military duty. Here is a brief synopsis of the |
| Under the law's provisions: | | | | criteria of eligibility: |
| - The government will pay the full cost of tuition | | | | - You should have served active duty of a |
| and housing as they attend publicly supported | | | | minimum of 90 days after September 10, 2001. |
| colleges and universities, and their benefits also will | | | | This includes active duty as an Armed Forces' |
| cover textbooks and supplies. | | | | member or on a call. |
| - In cases where exceptionally talented veterans | | | | - Additionally, it is mandatory that you should |
| enroll at highly competitive programs in private | | | | have had a honorable service record and |
| universities "The Yellow Ribbon Program" also will | | | | discharge. |
| make-up the difference between public- and | | | | All in all, you may reap great benefits if you have |
| private-school tuition. | | | | a good service record on the military scrolls. So, |
| Single mothers have used their Post-9/11 GI | | | | what are you waiting for, military moms? Go and |
| benefits to attend Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Cal, | | | | grab the opportunity. |