Written with Scott Herzberg

Most of us have seen action movies where the main character leaves a loving family behind, embarking on an action filled mission to right a wrong and save the world. The movie ends dramatically with total destruction averted, the credits roll, and we return home to our normal lives without a second thought to what happens next to the heroes.

Letters Home,  a compelling live play showing October 19 at the Dennos, seeks to bring awareness of what it was like for the real people involved during the hotly debated war on terror. For the 99% of us who have not served in the military, understanding the experience of our soldiers at war in Afghanistan and Iraq is key to their future success.

Interestingly, the growing population of our veterans shows the opposite philosophy of the Millenials, or Me Generation. “One theme seems to unite their diverse voices:  the belief that the person standing beside you is more important than you are.”  -Alan Jenkins

How can we take this learning opportunity beyond classroom walls and educate ourselves about worlds we never experienced? Here are a few ideas, in addition to the common offer of extra credit, for students attending college events.

• Self-efficacy:  During your time in college, it is very likely that you or someone you are close to will encounter extremely difficult circumstances to overcome. What types of support networks do you believe college students need to be successful?

• Critical thinking:  Ask students to respond to the questions, “How might this type of coursework have impacted these soldiers during their time at war? How could our course help future similar situations?”

• Global awareness:   Discuss with students the questions, “What are some keys to achieving success in a world of increasing diversity?” (Oncourse, p. 160). Answers can be tailored to cultures as well as coursework, such as interpersonal communication differences as well as the economic, political, and historical perspectives of other places.

This play is free for NMC students and all profits benefit NMC veterans. Contact Scott Herzberg in Military and Veteran’s Affairs for more information.