The Billy Madison Experience  

By: Javan Bair

When I decided to use my GI Bill benefits and go to college instead of reenlisting for another four years, my Army leadership was kind and reassuring. They were kind enough to remind me that at twenty-six years old, I was eight years, nearly an entire decade more senior than the average college freshman. And they reassured me that due to my age and military background, I would likely fail college. There was no way I could assimilate into the fabled landscape of higher education—one comprised of progressive ideologies and kindness. I was too old of a dog to learn new tricks. Who did I think I was? Billy Madison?

            Billy Madison is a reference to the classic Adam Sandler film. Madison, a grown man, must complete grades K 12 as he navigates various age gaps and complexities he encounters along the way.   

            I was out of touch with my classmates during my first two years at CU Denver. Our age difference was evident in appearance and behavior. But as I progressed through my program and reached my 3000-4000 level courses, I began to feel more comfortable. Not only were the classes more stimulating, and the students were a little closer to my age, but I had allowed myself to become fully immersed in the experience of being a student. I realized that everyone on campus, despite their age or prior experience, is here to gain an education.

            The significant part about having a Billy Madison-inspired student veteran experience at CU Denver is that I was not alone. The CU Denver campus is commuter based, meaning that veterans who settled anywhere near the Denver area can attend due to the flexible nature of the class schedules. I have met a decent number of veterans on campus that are succeeding in college because they have also embraced this new chapter in their lives.

Carlin Page, a junior at CU Denver, explained his post-military college experience and outlook on this new portion of his life. “Growing up, going to school was a chore. But coming back to school as a non-traditional student, I have a different outlook. I think of everything I can accomplish if I pay attention for a couple of hours a day. Knowledge is freedom.”

So, if you are a student veteran, nervous about succeeding in college, you can either take to heart the kind and reassuring sentiments that your leadership gave to you on your way out or can go back to school, back to school and prove to Uncle Sam that you are not a fool. With enough effort, you can become the Miles Davis of undergraduate programs if you choose.

             And if my Billy Madison references are coming across as a bit dated, that’s probably because I’m nearly an entire decade older than the average college student.