Many students tend to take the traditional path of college after high school, but there are multiple paths that graduates can pursue. According to the National Military Family Association, 9 percent of people from ages 16-24 are planning on joining the Military, and while this path is rare, it is important.
“My plan after high school is to attend Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Leonard Wood. I will be training to be a 12Y Geospatial Engineer. After BCT and AIT, I will be stationed in Sedalia, Missouri,” Theodore Long (12) said.
This pathway took time to decide on and Long states that having family in the military has motivated him. For many people like Long, being surrounded by a supportive community is helpful while pursuing a passion like this.
“It is definitely a struggle to think of leaving all of my friends and family for over six months. It makes me nervous every time I think about it,” Long said. “I am not worried about not being good enough, or not trying hard enough. I am worried about what I will miss by being away from everyone for longer than I have been before. I will form a new family while I am gone, and will eventually have to leave them as well.”
Making emotional connections with new people can be important when adjusting to new situations. Leaving the community that you have been in for a long time can be a struggle for some. However, there is hope that it will pay off and be rewarding.
“I plan on making a career out of my opportunity in the National Guard. I want to take advantage of the time I am given to explore both our country and the world. I will be able to do my 20 years and retire from the military at 28,” Long said. “I plan on either becoming a paramedic firefighter or taking a job at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, making good use of my top secret security clearance…”
Protecting and serving comes with a great honor, but having a plan for the future can be vital to going through post-secondary education.
“Do not waste your opportunity to serve and protect your country,” Long (12) said. “Some people are not able to help their country, so if you are able to help, you should.”
