English 100
Topic: Has life in the military changed you? How has it affected you?
06 November 2012
The Military Changed My Life for the Better Life in the military has not only changed me, but it has molded me to become a better person. Before I joined the United States Navy, I was a member of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) for my entire tenure of high school; as well as a scholarship recipient to the University of Kentucky. I had always been an intelligent, skillful and easy-going young lady; however JROTC thought me fundamentals of leadership, the importance of teamwork but most important it embedded confidence into myself worth. JROTC was just a minor stepping stone in my life; compared to how becoming a United States Sailor affected my life. One major change the military has had on me is my independence. My Father was a Solider in the Army and I was the youngest of four children. Even though we moved around every two to three years, to include starting new schools and making new friends; I always had my siblings no matter what state or house we lived in. There was never a sense of loneness or fear, I always had someone by my side in every endeavor. Initially, the military also provided me with that domestic feeling; until I was walked to medical, with no one by my side and I realized I was alone for the first time in my life. The preliminary shock of loneness brought tears to my eyes; but, I realized that just because I am away from my family and friends physically does not mean they are not in my heart. I realized that I was strong enough to make it through bootcamp without any help and I was capable of being a great role model for my entire Family. I was finally able to accept that I was now an independent woman serving my country proudly. Another great change the military provided for me is my outlook on physical fitness. In JROTC I ran a mile once a year with little