Planning for a Life in the U.S. Military BY Matthew Capwell

Overall, my goal for a while now has been to join the military;  I pretty much resigned myself to the thought of college not really being for me, but I’ve come to the realization that college may become one of the only ways to further me on my journey in life. It will afford  me new opportunities in life never available to me if I don't take the leap and further my education. College will be yet another important hurdle. Continued education would provide chances for promotion, better salaries, and perhaps even job opportunities after my time in the military. Education may open life changing doors for me.  Despite my past childhood remarks on education,  I’m finally ready to sign my name and enroll on my own terms.

School is a necessary part of everyone’s lives. I personally have never been a fan though. From my very first encounter with the school system to now it’s just something that I’ve got to get through and do well in to better myself and my future. When I was about four, my Mom took me to sign up for preschool. Unknown to me while I sat in the car, she went into the school and filled out the paperwork making it official. When  she came out expecting me to be excited and exclaimed, “I just signed you up for preschool, Matt!” I responded “ ‘Rase my name. I’m not going!” My very first interaction with the school system was a desire to be erased from the school’s roster!  As I have grown older, however, education has come to have newfound importance to me. High school is the  first major hurdle to achieving my goals in life. Doing well puts me one step closer to  pursuing my dream of becoming a member of the United States Airforce, and possibly entering the college I choose in the future. 

Luckily, I’ve lived a pretty well-supported life thus far. My biggest challenges have been building myself into a man whom others may respect, learning the lessons in life my parents have worked to  instill in me, and putting my heart into everything I do. Since a young age, I have always wanted to be strong, and to be able to make a difference in our world. At first I was interested in biology, science, or even wildlife preservation services, but they never really clicked with my mind. Then in middle school, I learned more about the military. I noted the Marines and the strength they embodied, as well as the Army with its emphasis on life skills and discipline they could teach, but the great minds and life experiences provided by the Airforce most grabbed my attention and heart. I have since researched and discovered  the Special Reconnaissance branch of the Air Force’s Specialized Warfare. They use nature and meteorology to turn the battle space to our troops’ advantage all while being very involved and facing constant challenges. The men and women of this profession are some of the most well-trained members of the United States Military. These people sound like some of the most resilient people in the world. 

I knew from that moment of discovery that I had  to strive to become part of the Reconnaissance branch. I push my body to points I didn’t know I could in an attempt to meet their requirements, and push myself mentally in school to instill the work ethic that will surely allow me to succeed. With this surge of commitment, I have gone so far as to overwork my body. From these missteps,  I learned valuable lessons. It’s great to put in the work and just keep pushing, but when that mindset grips you it’s hard to stop and allow yourself to heal from the punishment you’ve inflicted upon yourself, to allow your body and mind to recover. It takes extreme mental strength to pace yourself, give yourself time to heal, and, then when recovered, get back on the horse and keep moving instead of defaulting  into a lazy nature. It pays to stop and fully grasp a  situation before continuing an  onward charge. 

Overall, my goal for a while now has been to join the military;  I pretty much resigned myself to the thought of college not really being for me, but I’ve come to the realization that college may become one of the only ways to further me on my journey in life. It will afford  me new opportunities in life never available to me if I don’t take the leap and further my education. College will be yet another important hurdle. Continued education would provide chances for promotion, better salaries, and perhaps even job opportunities after my time in the military. Education may open life changing doors for me.  Despite my past childhood remarks on education,  I’m finally ready to sign my name and enroll on my own terms: Matthew Capwell