Shannon Ihrke

Elmhurst College

Elmhurst, IL

Program Type/Area of Study: Business
Years Served: 4
MOS: 0111

Tell us about yourself:

I’m currently going to school full-time as well as working full-time at a radio station in Chicago.

What prompted you to return to school?

Now that I’m 26, I’m truly able to look around and know what I want in life and having my degree is definitely one of my goals.

Why did you choose Elmhurst College?

The school is clean, beautiful, the professors are truly passionate about teaching and the classrooms are small.

What military education benefits, such as the GI Bill, did you use?

I am currently using the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.

What has your experience been like as a student?

Elmhurst college has been so helpful from the very beginning and coming to this school has truly made me passionate about learning again.

What challenges did you have adjusting to campus culture after military life?

I just felt old compared to everyone else, but it actually became fun because I can bring special experiences to the classroom that most do not.

Do you believe your military experience has made you a better student?

Absolutely! The military has made me much more disciplined and has shown me that I should always be pushing to better myself.

What advice do you have for veterans returning to school?

Be open to the experience of college as a whole. Go out and meet new people, choose classes you find interesting, and have fun!