TIME, CONTINUITY, & CHANGE

U.S. MARINE CORPS

“You Learn Something New Everyday”

I made the decision to enlist in the Marine Corps because I desperately needed a challenge after graduating high school in 1994. I thought I knew everything. I also believed that I would never again go back to school. I was completely wrong.

Soon after arriving to Parris Island, SC for basic training, I learned very quickly the importance education. As early as boot camp it was instilled not only in me but every recruit that “knowledge is power”. With knowledge and education the sky became the limit. I knew through I would have to become educated through experience and obtaining knowledge through college and various other training opportunities in order to get promoted faster.

Once I made it to the “fleet”, I sought out to feed my hunger for knowledge and thirst to succeed by taking college courses through Campbell University on the extended campus at Camp Lejeune, NC. I also took many military correspondent courses through the Marine Corps Institute (MCI). I also served as an intelligence analyst for about five years. In those five years I grew substantially from a snot-noised kid to a young responsible contributing member of society with ambition and realistic goals. My job not only taught me lessons such as knowing the inter-workings of my specialty, but more specifically it taught me the importance of responsibility, accountability and time management. I’ve always been first to point out my faults and I’ve always tried, even to this day, to turn it around and fix or improve on those shortcomings.

My experiences through travel, interaction, technology, instruction, and briefing skills that I’ve obtained as a Marine gave me the motivation and desire to become a teacher. Even though I debated on whether or not to remain a Marine, I strongly felt, and still do, that I could make a positive difference in hopes that students strive to not take their education for granted. But more importantly, I hope students realize their potential and avoid an apathetic approach to learning.

“…and knowing is half the battle.”