High school graduation provides individuals with new-founded independence. While many pursue college, military enlistment presents students with benefits that are often overlooked. From personal motivations to practical considerations, SCHS students shared their own diverse perspectives on the lesser-traveled path.
Senior Maya Villarreal’s decision to join the military stemmed largely from her family’s military legacy.
“They would take me up in their planes and take me to the base when I was a little kid. So that was definitely very influential growing up,” Villarreal said.
Unlike Villarreal who was introduced to the military through her family, sophomore Jose Esquivel Flores explained how he was motivated to consider the military as a career option by watching social media influencers.
“Recently it’s (been) two YouTubers,” Flores said. “They talk about the Army and if you want to join. They give you tips (about) stuff you should avoid and should not avoid in the Army.”
Flores’ experience in sports has taught him there are difficulties from any new experiences. He finds that the camaraderie and memories made, however, frequently outweigh the challenges, which could be possible reasons for students to consider the military.
“I joined football this year, and what football has taught me is that, pain is a (expletive), but the people that you’re around a lot and make memories with, you consider them as a family,” Flores said. “Now don’t get me wrong here. My family is great, but I think a lot of people would join wanting to have that feeling of a family.”
Villarreal said that despite the cons of joining the military, the opportunity to enlist will allow her to contribute to a larger cause.
“(Military service) is dangerous, but you’re protecting not only your family but you’re also protecting the entire country,” Villarreal said. “That’s how I want to look at it.”
While college and secondary education is often the more popular choice for high school graduates, College and Career Advisor Anthony Butler believes the military offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and transformation for those who choose it.
“I see some students who go in leaving high school not the best students, but when they come back after boot camp, there’s change,” Butler said. “They came back more confident and more excited about seeing their future come before their eyes.
Butler explained there are various paths a student could take, but outlook and passion are two driving factors.
“(Military service) is not the one way to success, and I think however you apply yourself in life, that’s what’s going to determine your success,” Butler said. “It’s a cliche phrase, but ‘Your attitude determines your aptitude.’ College may not be that avenue to get you there, but you’re going to do what you need to do, find out what you need to find out and follow the right avenues.”