“It started when my dad was in the Navy and I grew up in a Navy family. It was a big part of my life. Then it was time for college and I had money for scholarships, I even had a roommate, but the recruiters at our school made me think about going into the Navy and I knew I was drawn to it. I don’t look like the type of person who would want to get dirty or not wear makeup or have a cellphone for two months, but I feel like God is drawing me here to be a part of a group and to have a purpose. Finding that purpose and passion at a young age is hard to do. I just turned 18. I want to study to be a nurse but I qualified for MA, master-at-arms, which is like the police of the Navy. It will give me the skills I need to help me find a job when I get out. The benefits are also a plus. It pays for school. I think I will be a better student when it is time to go back.
“We signed a contract for four active years and three to four years in the reserve. I am going in for school and I don’t know what to do with my life right now. It is my chance to travel.”
“I am joining the Navy because I realized I am unprepared for the world. I didn’t know how I was going to do student loans or financial aid. It was overwhelming. I needed to find a way to hold on and the military offers benefits with insurance and college. It is a chance to join a new family and to see the world. You can’t beat that at 18 years old. I grew up with a single mom. I don’t have siblings and this is the first time I am going to have a family. The idea of me joining the Navy was a surprise because it was always college, until I graduated. I was known for fashion design and runway shows and art shows, sewing, and cosmetology. Me switching to a boys’ world was a shock to everyone. Even to me. I will be a gunner’s mate and work on missiles and guns. I ship out in March. He goes to boot camp in the fall.”
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