Introduction:
As I entered the Marine Corps almost five years ago, I had no idea as to where my life would lead. Looking back now I cherish the memories, live in the present, and anxiously await the future. There are many items that represent who I am, but only a few that carry enough meaning to describe my journey through life.
Thesis/Preview:
I am going to give you a quick description of who I am through the use of three items that represent my past, present, and future.
Transition:
Quoting Art LaFleur from the Sandlot, “everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take that chance because they’re either too scared, or they don’t’ recognize it when it spits on their shoes.” Just last year I …show more content…
took this chance aboard Forward Operating Base Camp Dwyer, which yielded my most treasured possession. I. This is an American flag that I brought back from my tour in Afghanistan. A.
This flag is a symbol my military service in the Marine Corps. 1. I personally raised and lowered this flag as part of the morning/evening colors detail. 2. This is the only memory that I have of my time in Afghanistan and what it meant to serve in a combat environment. B. This flag represents the sacrifices I made in order to succeed in the military. 1. I gave up all dreams of going to college and earning a degree. 2. Left all of my friends and family behind for almost 5 years. 3. Gave up my entire personality. C. This flag represents the greatest achievement that I could have ever hoped to accomplish. 1. I was personally able to fight for the freedom of the United States of America. 2. Given the opportunity to help and protect the local population in Afghanistan.
Transition:
One goal I gave up temporarily to enlist in the service has always been something I keep close to heart. Today, I am striving to meet that goal of furthering my education. II. This notebook represents a personal goal and the assiduous lifestyle that defines me. A. My goal has always been to attend the Speed School of Engineering to pursue a degree in electrical …show more content…
engineering. 1. This degree will help ensure a better life for myself and my family. 2. Electrical engineering has always been an interest of mine and reflects back to my experience in the Marine Corps. B. This notebook represents the hard work and dedication that currently consumes my life. 1. Most of my time is spent studying as I have been away from the academic environment for almost 5 years. 2. In my spare time I repair computers and other electronic equipment to prepare for the challenges of electrical engineering.
Transition:
Pursuing a career is always a top priority for everyone seeking a successful future.
This is something that I also believe and plan on accomplishing accordingly. III. This multimeter represents my future career as an electrical engineer. A. I plan on attaining a Masters degree within the next 4 years. 1. I always thought I would end up as a chemical engineer like my grandfather, but after spending valuable time with electronics, I realized that this was my true calling. 2. Engineering is complicated because of all the mathematics and creativity that is required, but I am more than willing to accept the challenge and be able to do what I love. B. As an electrical engineer I will be able to sustain a sufficient income to support my family. 1. Jobs for electrical engineers are currently on the rise due to the wide variety of technology that is becoming readily available in everyday life. 2. Being financially stable will create a healthy environment to raise a family and show them the result of hard work and dedication.
Conclusion:
Reflecting on these three items shows where I have come from, where I am now, and what I have to look forward to down the road. I can honestly say that my military service created a gap in my own perception of who I am, and through this assignment I was able to reconnect with who I am and who I want to become. Today I choose to model myself around a quote by Fanny Brice, “Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then who are you now?”
Bibliography Personal experience, July18, 2013
Goals 1. Present the class with a verbal description of myself while using three objects as visual references. 2. To conquer all fear and anxiety I may have about delivering a speech/presentation in front of my classmates. 3. To keep the focus of my entire audience for the duration of my speech.
Questions 1. Type of Introduction: Personal story
I gave my audience a quick glimpse of my attitude towards life and foreshadow my use of the three objects I plan to present to them. 2. Type of Conclusion: Reflection and a quote
I reflected on the use my 3 objects and restate their importance in my life. I also used a quote that will allow for a memorable experience for my audience. 3. Type of Organization: Chronological
I used my 3 objects as the main points of my speech and presented them in chronological order from past, present, and future.