My Introduction to the Navy

I arrived at boot camp in San Diego, CA late in the afternoon I was tired The first person I met was a Senior Chief. He was a large man, probably six foot five, with a large frame and a deep growling voice. "Are you ready?" he grumbled. I responded with, "I think so." He stopped in his tracks, looked deep into my eyes as if seeing right through me and said sternly, "You will use 'Sir' when addressing me I am not your peer nor will I ever be. I also distinctly recall several other colorful metaphors which I can not repeat. Now move". He double timed me over to my new barracks. I had serious doubts about my decision and began to think perhaps college would have been a better option.

It seemed like seconds from when my head hit the pillow that I heard a First Class screaming (it seemed as if he was screaming in my ear). We had to jump up, stand at attention, lined up it was chaotic. I had no idea what time it was, other than that it was still dark outside. It was only minutes later that I was introduced to my new "mother & father" who knew. I had no idea my new parents were versed in a langauge of mostly four letter words. All I know is that they used them as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and spoke at several actives such that sailors in the naval training command some ten blocks away could here. I was told later that day that the fun had just begun. By the end of that first day I learned something very important. I learned that I needed to adjust my way of thinking about things. I learned that I could accomplish much more than I ever imagined possible. I set my sights to bigger challenges and learned that I was capable of much more than I ever Imagined possible. That first day was very challenging, but far from the most challenging of my Navy career.

Serving our Nation

Words can not express life aboard a submarine! All the training in the world would not prepare me for that moment when we first dive the boat. I knew I was trained, as were my fellow shipmates. However, I couldn't stop thinking of my family. It wasn't long that I learned to use that to my advantage. Thinking of my family brought me a sense of duty and pride. It made my reasons for going into harm's way clearer. I took the call as a call to protect liberty for my unborn child, and his children. My fear soon turned to resolve. This was another moment that I learned I was capable of much more than I ever imagined. By the time Persian Gulf War I happened, I was a very changed person. I wanted nothing more than to go to sea and defend out nation. I learned that I had much more inner-strength and resolve than I ever had known before. Had I had it all along? Or was this a result of my training. All I knew is that at that moment duty came before self and one must stand up. I also learned that we have a duty to do what is right. I matured quite a bit that day. I had no idea of what challenges I would face, but I knew that I had to face them head on.

This mind set I have brought with me to education. I love what I do but a fear that people who have no idea what education is all about are making decision that harm our children. As a you sailor I was told I had three option "Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way." I choose to lead. I have the experience and I know that no obstacle is to hard given what I have already been through.