“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is your future. Today is your life. Live it.”
NOTE: This article was written by Alicia D. Baqueroalvarez & Edited by J. Marcelo Baqueroalvarez.
This is what’s written above the door at my cozy Airbnb as I cross the threshold. I think this reconstructed quote best summarizes my three-day visit to Bowie, Maryland. Thanks to my husband, I was able to drive the three hours just outside of Baltimore with the intention of attending a veteran’s benefits fair hosted by Bowie State University. Although the informative email I received from Veterans Affairs (VA) mentioned the brief that covered benefits, it didn’t discuss the entirety of what was presented Wednesday morning.
Sadly, I missed the additional veteran’s Government Issue (GI) informational briefing and- even worse- free lunch! It was never made clear in my email. However, I’m not one who wastes any given opportunity, so I made my way over to the presentation tables where there are always promotional wares and goodies to catch anyone’s eyes.
Very useful resources for Veterans!
My first stop was Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) where I talked to a Marine Corps veteran answering questions. I’m aware of the existence of VR&E but I recognized that I could expand my knowledge. I learned that a veteran, retiring, or separating service member can obtain an employment counselor through this program by searching for it via the Veterans Affairs website (https://www.va.gov).
I’ve already done the work so you can also click here: Veteran Readiness and Employment Orientation | Veteran Affairs (va.gov).
If you already have a login for the VA website, I suggest you access it with your personal information, first. You will need to provide your current address so VR&E services can locate your nearest VA facility and have a counselor contact you. The next step will be to schedule an in-person appointment to complete some paperwork and conduct an interview so the employment coordinator can research how best to assist you with your employment ventures within your area.
Personally, I want to see if they can assist me with obtaining training in Key Management Infrastructure (KMI), specifically. As positive as VR&E was about their ability to assist me with this endeavor, I have my doubts. Afterall, the training is managed through National Security Agency (NSA), so I feel it’s a stretch. I can always dream, though.
Adjacent to VR&E’s table sat the College Accredited Agency who works in tandem with VR&E to fulfill educational needs. Now, they had a lot of information to provide, including the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Vet Tech Employment Consortium, the Educational Call Center for OJT, Apprenticeships, and Internships but- most importantly- the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholarship that awards up to $30,000 to a veteran pursuing many unique educational programs. They pointed out Virginia state’s American Job Center (aka. Career One Stop) for jobs, finding training, and answers to other employment-related questions.
I left their table with a number to the Educational Call Center where I can begin my research, 888-442-4551. Feel free to give it a call if you’re also interested. I left their table with “homework” for them to do and the best way to see if you matter is if, and when, you receive that promise of a follow-up so I’m keeping my eyes out for that email.
Join me for some tea
Exploring Bowie State University
As VA representatives started packing up their materials, heading for the exit, I decided to explore Bowie State University further. The first thing that I noticed about their campus is that- although it’s smaller than other campuses I’ve walked- it’s beautiful surrounded by birch, eastern red cedar, white oak, and various fruit trees blooming with Spring’s arrival.
I was absolutely tickled to observe a few food delivery robots meandering through the student pathways. I passed brick and metal designed buildings- library, computer center, various educational halls named after state citizens of importance – while front and center stood student services. My senses were immediately met by the smells of fast food and sounds of student chatter as I opened the double doors. This was clearly not BSU’s admissions office, so I quickly backed up the way I came and decided that “Administration” must be my real objective.
Once again, I walked across the campus and, this time I watched a celebration of sorts occurring outside the student residence buildings. Shiny ballons with Mardi Gras colors decorated the tables adorned with plastic cutlery, napkins, paper plates, and unrecognizable assorted refreshments. It seems I’m not the only one drawn to the sounds of music, laughter, and conversations as an older man to my right poses an inquiry to me. We’re both at a loss, though, so we exchange pleasantries before going on our separate ways.
I had the opportunity to have a conference call with the Director of Science and Technology and what I can tell you is that their bachelor’s program in Cybersecurity is extensive, to include four optional aggressive learning tracks and a certificate of Excellence in Cybersecurity from Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I guarantee that if you decide to move to Maryland, you won’t be disappointed.
Alicia at the National Cryptographic Museum in MD
So much to discover!
With the main reason why, I came to Bowie out of the way, I decided to take advantage of my Airbnb stay’s sitting jet tub complete with lavender bubble bath. It was just divine! On a related note, I have almost always experienced a pleasant time anytime I lodge through Airbnb. My current track is 23 out of 25, in fact. I had a memorable one with the hostess and her roommate. My mom would tell me that there are reasons why you meet some of the people in your life. I truly believe it after I had meaningful discussions and felt a true connection to these two women. They both have my number and, if they ever pass through my neck of the woods, I wouldn’t hesitate to invite them to stay the night.
The next morning, I snuggled deeply into the cozy trundle bed before getting ready to be on my way. After one last farewell I was on the road, heading towards my mecca- The National Cryptographic Museum in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. As a retired Navy Radioman (RM) and Information Systems Technician (IT) I’ve been meaning to visit the museum for a of couple years so the short thirty-minute drive to a corner tucked away just outside of the National Security Agency (NSA) was worth it.
As soon as I walked through the glass doors, I was met with a friendly greeter who shared a map of the museum with me and pointed out the highlights. I took the opportunity to fill out the guest book and was approached by a computer scientist- a volunteer- more than eager to explain some of the important aspects of the lobby. The USS Liberty and USS Pueblo memorials caught my attention right away. I squatted down in front of the NSA and CIA’s “Wall of Silence” citing names of the fallen. For me, it’s incredibly humbling to read the names of people who made the ultimate sacrifice in the interest of keeping the world safe.
This image is a tribute to the NSA National Cryptographic Museum in MD (background is updated)
As I wandered the galleries, I was almost giddy with all the rare objects and literature around me. Some of the most notable highlights were The Enigma and Bombe– miracles from the height of World War II- the Type B Cipher Machine for deciphering Japan’s Purple code, the oldest cipher wheel from the Civil War era, Permissive Action Link (PAL) and Special Air Service (SAS) Cold War technology, Navajo Code Talker Marine Corps uniforms, and the black box from the Space Shuttle Challenger.
By the time I finished exploring every inch of the museum four hours had passed. I had clearly lost track of time. The computer scientist had, once again, found me and ensured that I took a free copy of every piece of literature in their library. In fact, he even gave me contact information for the museum’s librarian and assisted me with a quick picture just inside the entrance. I had a lengthy discussion with another volunteer from the CIA before I had to leave and start the drive to my last stop.
Concluding my unforgettable visit
I arrived at the University of Maryland’s Global Campus in College Park, Maryland almost an hour later and the sky was clearly getting ready to open and pour rain. I didn’t have enough time to fully explore UMGC’s humongous campus. Luckily, I quickly learned where the Student Center was and beelined to their store once I found my way into the building.
There were so many students making their way from one place to another as I power-walked to the center and I don’t think you’ll be surprised when I tell you that the sports stadium is huge and was currently alive with football practice. It was nearing 4pm so I walked into the store like I had an agenda, and with the help of a store assistant, I found a military-version college shirt complete with the terrapin mascot on the front. I grabbed a lanyard with caricatures of points of interest around the college campus as well as a cute shirt for my daughter.
If I could visit the campus again, I want to grab a student identification card so I can officially be a member of the student body. Afterall, at the time I wrote this article I’m finishing up my Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity technology through UMGC.
My drive home felt like a long one and I truly struggled to stay awake on my way home. Honestly, these are the times when I wonder why we’re not legally allowed to pull over and take a short nap for the sake of safety. Instead, I sipped an energy drink and pulled into my driveway at 9pm. Truly, I thought that I had experienced a full three-day trip as I gratefully crawled into bed with my husband and happily cuddled into his warm side while his arm protectively draped around my shoulders. I know even more about myself and what I’m capable of and I’m home. HLC