2008 Woodie Awards
From Marine Corps boot camp to books
John Fennell
Issue date: 10/20/06 Section: Perspectives
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I survived Marine Corps boot camp. I never imagined going back to school would be just as big of a challenge. My mother always counseled that any break in my education would make it harder to complete once I did go back. Just this once, I wish I had listened.
When I left Elizabethtown College after the fall semester in 2001, I had all the intentions of going back to school. I planned to be back in school and make my mother happy in no time.
I had joined the Marines and would be spending 13 glorious weeks on a very pleasant island in South Carolina starting in October. Three months in South Carolina, two weeks in North Carolina and another six weeks in the lovely desert of California.
I was immature when I first set foot on a college campus. I was not thinking about graduating. I wanted to meet new people and have a good time. I had no idea what moderation or responsibility was.
Honor, Courage and Commitment are three words Marines learn in preparation for a life dedicated to something bigger then themselves. So when it is time to return to civilian life the seeds that are planted and coaxed to grow in inhospitable conditions (a swamp in South Carolina) are rooted in the Marine's personality (Once Always; Once a Marine Always a Marine.)
These are necessary tools I did not have in my previous life. They are now so engrained that success was assured. I have the courage to go back to school knowing I will be out of place because of age and life experience.
Here I am, still honoring my responsibilities inside and outside of class that often will conflict with each other. I will need to accept the consequences. I will stay committed no matter what, long after it has gotten tough and I want to quit and go back to my easier life.
Inevitably, there will be some doubt from others who will question my ability or commitment to this new college experience. Those same doubts were there before boot camp and will be there long after I graduate. But I take comfort in the knowledge that I can tackle the impossible and rise above. Nothing fortifies you against doubt like having a vicious drill instructor screaming with spit flying in your face, using words you cannot repeat in polite company.
When I left Elizabethtown College after the fall semester in 2001, I had all the intentions of going back to school. I planned to be back in school and make my mother happy in no time.
I had joined the Marines and would be spending 13 glorious weeks on a very pleasant island in South Carolina starting in October. Three months in South Carolina, two weeks in North Carolina and another six weeks in the lovely desert of California.
I was immature when I first set foot on a college campus. I was not thinking about graduating. I wanted to meet new people and have a good time. I had no idea what moderation or responsibility was.
Honor, Courage and Commitment are three words Marines learn in preparation for a life dedicated to something bigger then themselves. So when it is time to return to civilian life the seeds that are planted and coaxed to grow in inhospitable conditions (a swamp in South Carolina) are rooted in the Marine's personality (Once Always; Once a Marine Always a Marine.)
These are necessary tools I did not have in my previous life. They are now so engrained that success was assured. I have the courage to go back to school knowing I will be out of place because of age and life experience.
Here I am, still honoring my responsibilities inside and outside of class that often will conflict with each other. I will need to accept the consequences. I will stay committed no matter what, long after it has gotten tough and I want to quit and go back to my easier life.
Inevitably, there will be some doubt from others who will question my ability or commitment to this new college experience. Those same doubts were there before boot camp and will be there long after I graduate. But I take comfort in the knowledge that I can tackle the impossible and rise above. Nothing fortifies you against doubt like having a vicious drill instructor screaming with spit flying in your face, using words you cannot repeat in polite company.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Mary Flynn
posted 11/14/06 @ 6:20 PM EST
I think this is a wonderfully informative article that can be and will be appreciated by all age groups. It is very gratifying as a parent or college age children but it reminds me of my feelings as a an older student myself years ago. (Continued…)
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