Posted on Mar 6, 2021
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For me it was perseverance and sheer determination. Nobody thought I would make it through Marine Corps Boot Camp. "The Marine are a tough outfit" they say. I don't know someone of your size will be able to handle it. I weighed in as a 137 pound string bean the day I joined. I made up my mind I was either going to earn the title of United States Marine or go home in a pine box; there was no other options on the table. This set the stage for numerous future successes in my life. I learned that if you put your mind to it you can accomplish almost anything. Keep going forward reaching for that goal you set for yourself and don't stop until you get there. Sure, there have been times in my life I felt like giving up but then I go back to those days of MCRD in my mind and remember what I accomplished and I remember that I didn't give up then, and I am not giving up now either.
Marines
Goals
Military Life
Enjoying Life
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 24
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Once upon a time, many years ago I had a very negative self image and didn't believe in myself. I joined the national guard because the active duty required a high school diploma. I reasoned that hopefully I can learn some confidence in the military. Basic helped, but still, I felt inferior and even though I tried I barely passed basic. A year later I went active duty army because I'd gotten my high school diploma, finally. Still my self image persisted and I ended up begin chaptered because I was a screw up and looking back was living a self defeating mindset. I spent 9 years as a civilian, earned associate and bachelor degrees. I'd started a family and had 3 kids. I grew up and my attitude improved a bit. 9/11 happened and I was so angry I forgot about my negative self image and resolved to see enlistment through to retirement. I learned along the way that as I served others my self worth grew. It led me to teaching and I love my life now. People at my school don't know why I give my time and talents as I do, but it is because of what I learned in the military. As I give, my value improves because I am a contributor. As I contribute it makes me feel good inside. I think I finally learned how to live out my type B personality in a way that provides personal meaning. Because of going into teaching I earned another associate degree, have only a few more classes to go on my second bachelor degree, have a master's degree, and I am in the last few stages of a doctor of education degree. All of these things are so I can do more as a contributor. I found my self worth. That is the lesson the Army taught me.
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Cpl Vic Burk
I think everyone feels the need to contribute in some manner. As a teacher myself I feel like I helping to guide some students into a positive direction in their life. I could retire any day I want, go on teacher retirement and kick back at home but I don't think my life will feel like it has the meaning it does right now. As long as I feel like I am making a difference and I am able, I plan to keep on teaching. Although I have to admit, last spring about got me to retire with remote learning. I didn't feel like I was making much of a difference. I couldn't get a lot of students to do their work and it bothered me immensely. Plus I was having to learn how to use the online platform for delivering lessons called "Canvas" but I persevered and got through it. We, the educators of America, can and do make a difference and help shape the future of our youth.
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LCpl Sidney Green
Funny you should say that. My sister (also a teacher) feels the exact same way you do, citing your sentiments almost word for word. My mom, on the other hand, couldn't wait to retire. Stating the hardest part of teaching was the parents, who just couldn't believe their little precious Timmy could ever be disruptive or do anything wrong. As far as they were concerned, if Timmy's wasn't getting his lesson, then it must be the teacher's fault.
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Same here. Enlisted for 4 years, no MOS guarantee. The title if Marine was all that I wanted.
I learned to prioritize, like triage. Being always squared away was number one. Time management was second. PT was third. Daily 5 mile run, gym time and swimming as time allowed. Martial arts was next. Stretching, basic exercises and Kata was next.
I should have minimized my party time, peer pressure got to me and it was back to square one.
I learned to prioritize, like triage. Being always squared away was number one. Time management was second. PT was third. Daily 5 mile run, gym time and swimming as time allowed. Martial arts was next. Stretching, basic exercises and Kata was next.
I should have minimized my party time, peer pressure got to me and it was back to square one.
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Sacrifice. I watched people lay down their lives so others could live to fight another day.
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