The Veteran Supported Education Service Treatment Manual: VetSEd

Example 2
During supervision with a male supervisor, Sarah, a VetSEd peer provider, mentions an
uncomfortable interaction she had with a non-Veteran college student.
Sarah: The training at Acme Community College this week went fairly well. Most of the
audience was receptive to what was shared about supported education for Veterans.
Some of the discussion after the training was a little off, though.
Supervisor: It sounds like the training went well, but some of the follow-up conversation
was out of the ordinary?
Sarah: You could say that. After the training a non-Veteran student approached me and
asked what it was like for me to be a woman in the military. I shared some about my
Marine service and he mentioned that he was surprised that I had so much responsibility,
considering the fact of me being a woman and all.
Supervisor: That sounds like an awkward conversation. How did you respond?
Sarah: I tried to laugh it off, but afterwards really felt put off by the entire conversation.
Supervisor: I can imagine. There are so many gender stereotypes about what women can
and can‘t do. Figuring out how to respond to those stereotypes in a professional way that
maintains one‘s dignity and self-respect is important. I‘m curious, have you had the
opportunity to talk about your experience of gender stereotypes with other people before?
Sarah: Not really. Sometimes with other women, but mostly not.
Supervision: Well, I‘m really glad we‘re having an opportunity to discuss this today. I
know that there are differences between us in terms of gender, Veteran status, etc;
however, I hope supervision is a place where we can discuss and explore areas of
difference and how it relates to your work as a VetSEd provider.
Sarah: I would like that as well.
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