Volume 44, Issue 9. Today is
Military students juggle education, service
Finding time to further one’s education may be discouraging at times and is even more difficult for service men and women who are faced with frequent deployments and relocation. However, each military branch not only encourages their service members to continue their education but provides the necessary materials to do so.
“I take regular college courses on the boat,” Wesley Seeton, former Mesa Community College student and third class Naval Petty Officer said. “When we go underway, college instructors come onto the boat with us to teach our classes,” Seeton, who is stationed on 32nd St. in San Diego, said he took general studies classes as well as philosophy and psychology.
The Marine Corps has a program set up as a way for Marines to further their schooling.
“We have a program called the Marine Corps Institute,” Lance Corporal Matthew Bernardo said. “It is a way for Marines to further their education in general studies, which we are accredited for and also to achieve standard Marine Corps values,” Bernardo said.
Aside from providing education and superior values, the military strives to make their service members mentally and physically stronger as well as make available for them health care for themselves and their dependants.
The military pays for all of the marines to have full coverage medical health care, including dental, vision, therapy if needed, along with food allowance, and housing Bernardo said.
The military is a foundation built on lessons learned, receiving discipline, earning and giving respect.
“I have learned and came to appreciate the value of discipline, professionalism, respect, leadership values and pride,” Bernardo said. “I have traveled to places and have seen things that I would never have been able to do or see have I not joined the marines. It has truly been a rewarding, yet tumultuous journey,” Bernardo said.
Although it is redeemed for its benefits and advantages, the service is not for everyone. Those who have once considered joining the military yet chose to pursue a different path is often heard of and very common.
“I had the papers signed, was sworn in, had my bags packed and was ready to go,” Nick Carillo, MCC student said. “Two days later, I found out my father was diagnosed with liver cancer and I knew I had to make a decision. It was either stay with my family when they really needed me or get on that bus and start doing things for myself.” Carillo said he chose to stay home and after his recruiting officer signed the necessary paperwork, his contract was canceled.
Becoming a qualified and respected service member comes down to hard work and dedication in the end. Bernardo said almost anyone is capable of accomplishing certain tasks if they have the right attitude about it and well as mental and physical strength.
“With the kind of courage one achieves from this experience, you realize the certain ability to live life to the fullest and with no restraints. I have learned it is possible to attain anything you set your heart and mind to.” Bernardo said.
The service is a place for people who are ready and willing to make a difference in our country but also want to continue their education as well as take full advantage of offered benefits.
“I joined (the Navy) after my first semester of college,” Seeton said. “I knew I could continue taking courses while being employed with the Navy and doing so while living, all expenses paid in San Diego. Not a bad deal.” Seeton said if desired, service men and women have the ability to take classes at any college off base as well.