William Price
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Knowledge comes by open eyes and working hands; there is no knowledge that is not power." It is not only what you learn in life, but also how you apply it. This simple lesson in life was just one of many that I learned during my service in the United States Marines Corps. The intentions of my enlistment as an 18-year-old kid are nowhere near the lessons and experiences I ultimately learned while serving my country. The Marine Corps has taught me many lessons such as about hard work, preparation, and learning from failure.
The military is an organization that requires all personnel to work together as a team. I can still hear my drill instructor scream, "you are only as strong as your weakest link." Life's challenges not only require one to give their "all" in performing a task, but also know when to ask for help from others or lend a helping hand as well. Teamwork and dedication to a task are essential in the military. I know that if I have worked hard, I can be prepared for anything life throws at me. Preparation is a key component to success in all areas of life. The military teaches you that not everything is in life is guaranteed. Anything can happen, from a surprise field day inspection to packing your equipment at the last minute for a field operation. Nothing in life is guaranteed.
I struggled with alcoholism for five years after I was discharged from the Marine Corps. It was a time in my life where I was lost and I felt helpless. During the time I was drinking I was attempting to go to school. My grades suffered and I dropped out as a result. I had a great of friends that sat me down and gave me the help and the hope that I needed. The military taught me that not everything in life can be accomplished by me, and there many times I need to ask for help. After I got sober I was afraid to go back to school. I just figured I would never be able to get a degree or finish school. I have been sober over 3 years and I have an entirely different view on life and my capabilities. I know that if I can get through boot camp and almost 5 years in uniform serving my country, I can get through anything. The hard work and preparation I put into my schoolwork today is a testament to the lessons I learned in the military. Last semester I was going to school full time and achieved a 4.0 GPA. Today I am enrolled in 6 classes this semester and with school ending in 3 weeks, I am on track to maintain my 4.0 GPA and make the Dean's List.
I am dedicated to my education and know that only through obtaining an education will I be able to have a great understanding of the world, the issues at large and more capable of helping others. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do as a career, where I wanted to take my education. Something that allows me to give back to others while doing something I enjoy. I thought about law and decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate program as well. After 9 months I am getting ready to complete the paralegal certificate program. I have also applied to transfer to University of California, San Diego in the fall of 2009. My intended major is Public Law/Political Science, with a minor in Human Rights and I intend to become an attorney practicing law in the field of Human Rights and Equal Protection.
While I served in the military I was an ambassador for the United States. I had the opportunity to travel the world and visit countries I otherwise would never have had the chance to see. All across the world people are suffering. The United States works hard to bring peace and democracy to those countries in need. I would like to help those in need as well and protect them from violations under the law. I want to protect those who are not capable of protecting themselves. I have been blessed to have been born in the United States of America with all the opportunities this country affords. I want the chance to help those who have not been given those chances and are in many cases oppressed. Serving the international community and my country to protect those against human rights violations under the law is my way of giving back to humanity while doing something that gives me joy as well a career.
I no longer wear a uniform, however I am forever changed by my experience in the Marines. A uniform is just an article of clothing, but the pride and honor for serving is ever lasting. The lessons learned, the friendships forged, and experiences everlasting are what I have today of my less than 5 years of duty. Not all was easy, but looking back on it, I would not change it for the world. Who I am today is because of who I was when I served my country, a United States Marine.
