I am in the Navy, not everyone knows that

I have talked to quite a few people lately who either do not know that I joined the military, or they think I am in the Air Force rather than the Navy. I can see their confusion because I am in the aviation program. But the others who have no clue, I wish they would listen when I tell them things or actually read my postings on Facebook and such to find out what is new with me.

Also, I am still getting people who are surprised that I am going in regular enlisted rather than as an officer. There is not a huge call for officers right now, especially when it comes to English majors. They are looking more for prior military service, such as ROTC, technical degrees and more competitive GPAs. I don't have any of those right now... I did well in school, but the others are not applicable to me. The other thing is that the military is downsizing and they aren't taking as many people, so they can afford to be selective. I am lucky that I got in.

There are others who still tell me that since I don't have a guaranteed job, just a guaranteed job field, that I am getting screwed, i.e., making a poor decision in my military career.

I hate it when they do this. It just kind of gets on my nerves. I don't think people should be allowed to judge a book by it's cover. In other words, they shouldn't criticize my decisions or offer unsolicited opinions without knowing all of my reasons for joining or knowing the needs of the military and difficulty getting into any officer program right now. I am glad that they are all looking out for my best interest, but who better to know my interests and what's right for me, than me?  In the end it is solely my decision...my life.

I enlisted in the military because I want to serve my country, help others, gain leadership experience, have job security, travel, have a fitness regimen, begin a career, get assistance in paying off my student loans, further my education and pursue a masters degree, attain new skills, and follow family tradition. I am doing this for a sense of honor, loyalty, and duty. This is for personal gain.

And, I think the Navy is the best fit for me and will provide more for me as far as training and overall quality of life, that I won't get in any other branch.

I am willing and able to train for any position in the Navy that will utilize my skills and education, and serve the needs of the Navy.

Short Hair Cut for the Navy

Right before I sat down to get my hair cut.

She braided my hair then started to cut it.

After the braid was cut off.

Here's the braid... it measured 15 inches, so unbraided it is about 16-17 inches of hair.

My hair was washed, layers were added, dried, and styled after it was done being cut to the right length.

Wow! What a transformation!

New style... the classic bob.

I am donating the braid that I cut off, so that it will benefit someone else (a cancer patient) who doesn't have hair.

Getting my hair cut now gives me two-months' time to get used to it being short before I ship out to Basic.

Nervousness Sets in... I Have to Get My Hair Cut

I have an appointment with the beauty salon tomorrow for my first haircut to conform with Navy Basic Training regulations. I have never had hair shorter than my shoulders before, and tomorrow I am cutting off about 3/4 the length of my hair! I am going to start tomorrow with hair down to the middle of my back and end the day with my hair up to my chin. I am nervous to see what it will look like, but excited to try out a new hairstyle.  I am sure it will be cute. I am going to add layers to distribute some of the weight of my thick hair....and the Navy said my hair can't be trendy, so layers are as close to a cute haircut as I can without being too radical.  I am also stoked that I will be able to donate my hair to benefit cancer patients. I have always wanted to do this. It's going to be one of many big changes, and cutting my hair months before I leave for Basic Training will give me a chance to get used to having and maintaining short hair.

This is what my hair looks like now... it is going to be a big change.

Pictures From My Enlistment/First Swearing In Day

 Waiting for the Captain to come in to administer the Oath of Enlistment.  Dad is standing at attention.

 You can see the stage and podium with all of the flags of each service branch and our Nation's flag.

I had a private Oath of Enlistment ceremony since no one else was ready to swear in at the time that I was. This worked out well, so that my parents could take some pictures.

 The Captain reading the terms of the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act to affirm my understanding.

Swearing my Oath of Enlistment.

After I finished swearing my Oath, the Army Captain shook my hand and then posed with me on stage so Mom could take some more pictures.

The Captain was making me laugh... we both were trying so hard not to laugh. He brought up the fact that I goofed when he asked me what I was going to do in the Navy... I had just replied, "Yes, sir." before I registered what he had said... oops!

Here I am with my youngest brother, mom, and dad. They got to watch me swear in.

My parents got me flowers and a cake to celebrate my induction into the Navy :)

First picture of my Navy career

This was taken today when I went for military processing... it was for my MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) ID card.

Officially Enlisted in the Navy

I am so happy! I can officially start counting down the days until I leave for Basic Training. Today I had my full medical exam, defense language aptitude test, job counseling and selection. I signed my contract and took my oath of enlistment.  I will be in the aviation field and learn all there is to know about it... so cool! Once I finish Basic and then go to Aircrewman Candidate School, I will find out what my actual job is (or rate, as the Navy calls it).  Then I will go to my technical school ("A" school). I am getting an advanced rank because of my college degree and the fact that aviation is an advanced program.  I leave for Basic on May 25th! Wooo hooo!!!!

Now all I have to do is just get all of my student loan documentation squared away (within 2 months)... I despise negotiating with my loan companies because they move so slow with things. After that it's smooth sailing. Just have to cut my hair and work on my PT. So much to do, and I know the time will fly by so fast!

And today was so sweet because my family came to see me swear in and then threw a little party for me with a cake and flowers. What a lovely surprise :)

Reactions to my Navy decision

Initially my friends and family all had different reactions when I first mentioned that I wanted to go into the military. Yet, they have all been supportive and offered me words of wisdom.

My family is very proud of me and awestruck that I have chosen to enlist in the military. My parents and extended family are all so happy for the opportunities that this decision will present me. My brothers, on the other hand, are still shocked that I have decided to enlist and though they seem to be proud of me, also they are skeptical that I will succeed.

My friends are all excited for me, and have varying reactions depending on their gender and whether or not they have prior service in the military or come from a military family.

Those who know something about how the military works have told me to go for officer or nothing. And they have advised me on which service is best in their opinion.

Guys are all shocked that I am going into the military, and girls mostly seem to focus on the fact that I have to cut my hair... shocker! I was interested in how all of their reactions differed.

I know that they are all happy that I am happy and I know that I have found my calling in the Navy.

First musings on the Navy

 My dad had first taken me to visit recruiters when I was a Sophmore in high school. At this point I was not sold on the idea of the military, and it wasn't until college was almost over that I seriously started thinking about the military again. He always told me that if I was to go into the service that I should either go with the Air Force or the Navy because of their treatment of women and quality of life.  I remembered this advice when I started researching which branch of service that I wanted to join. The Air Force was originally my first choice, but when I talked to the Navy I was blown away. They impressed me right away and the level of customer service exceeded any branch of service that I had talked to. I am so excited about all of the benefits and opportunities that the Navy will present me. I can't wait to begin my military career.

Some of my published writing

Some of my written work was published in my local newspaper, The DeKalb Chronicle. One of my papers from junior college venerated my grandpa, who is buried out at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.  My other works were published while I was interning at the NIU School of Theatre and Dance.  These works were published without a by-line. Feel free to check them out.

Here are the links:


http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2004/11/11/opinions/letters/letters01.txt

http://www.midweeknews.com/articles/2009/01/28/takeone/takeone03.txt

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/02/04/45026612/index.xml

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/02/11/32982493/index.xml

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/03/11/r_6sxujrnsqubre6qsvsfva/index.xml

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/03/11/r_yepiqeept16s1rxagptgqw/index.xml

It All Starts With A Dream

Two years ago, like any college graduate, I emerged bright-eyed and full of promise. I had to decide what to do with my life. I originally wanted to spend my days writing and find a career that involved doing exactly that. I wanted to become a writer/editor and I thought that once I completed my bachelor's degree with a major in English that I could accomplish just that. Well, the economy put a damper on that: I lost my job as a legal assistant--so I looked for a new dream.  I turned to the idea of teaching, but once I took a few classes, I decided it was clearly not for me. Then, I brainstormed for other career choices. I decided on entering the military. Now I just had to figure out what branch I wanted to go into and decide if I wanted to apply for the officer program or go in enlisted. Research ensued and I eventually came to a decision, or so I thought. This whole process started in November of last year. I was dead set on the Air Force officer program, but they informed me that it was not possible. Upon more research, I decided on the Navy. They really impressed me from the beginning.  So I am going to enlist in the Navy. I start everything this week. I am so excited! After a couple of years in the Navy I am going to put together my application for the officer program. This is going to be the start of a great career. All of the benefits are amazing and I can't wait for it all to begin. My dream will become realized.

A Poem Of Inspiration

There is a poem written on the front cover of my diary that my grandparents, Jackie and Art, had given me one year for Christmas when I was really little.  I am not sure who wrote this poem, but it has always been a source of inspiration to me, and reminds me to follow my dreams:

I watch the world 

through curious eyes, 

and wonder up at star-filled skies,

and dream about

the wondrous things

tomorrow promises to bring.

I keep my secret hopes and dreams

tucked far away on bright moonbeams,

and out beyond horizons far

I wish upon a shooting star.

I journey to new worlds unmet

with treasures undiscovered yet--

my dreams take me

where rainbows are

when I follow my own star!