KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The students of the 81st Training Wing learn how to perform their assigned job daily, but don’t always have the necessities to develop as Airmen.
The 336th Training Squadron has recently developed a Goal Setting and Reflection Class as well as a Computer Enthusiasts Club aimed to develop Airmen by connecting them with others and improving their life and technical skills.
Whitney Stone, 336th TRS goal setting class instructor, organized the class in hopes to improve the self-motivation in new Airmen.
“The instructors and leadership of the 336th TRS want to set our Airmen up for success,” said Stone. “We hope for the Airmen to understand why improving is important and for them to become more productive. ”
Setting goals is one of the many methods these classes use to give the Airmen tools for achieving success. Another method is taught in the Computer Enthusiast Club, which Robert Kovacs, 336th TRS Computer Enthusiast Club coordinator, anticipates the club will develop students through interactive software and projects.
“We want to allow our students to explore technology in an unhindered environment and to provide mentorship,” said Kovacs. “Studying and memorizing segments of mechanics doesn’t give the students a complete understanding of it, however, offering a hands-on environment grants them a way to explore their curiosity and understand how it works.”
The club allows the students to code, 3D print, experiment with artificial intelligence and engage in other exercises to fuel their creativity. Kovacs believes the interaction and experience also allows the students to connect with others.
“It is critical to give students an opportunity to have fun and interact with others,” said Kovacs. “Having a group of students come together and work to achieve a common goal can help students become successful and create relationships. We want to help the students grow.”
Connecting Airmen with one another is a way the 336th TRS instills resiliency in the students.
“Striving to achieve your goals can help our Airmen become resilient,” said Stone. “Having a goal can give Airmen something to live for and a reason to keep moving forward. We want the Airmen to find what they want to achieve and give them the tools to reach it.”