Navy Knights

NJROTC: NAVY-COLORED DREAMS

--Marissa Realdine

One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that you’re doing something great in high school. But what are we supposed to do when we leave high school? Will we still be doing great things then? I often ask myself this question, due to the fact that soon I’ll be looking at colleges. Reality has stepped on my toes and slapped me in the face. I can no longer have that belief that I’ll be a princess one day, or a super famous pop star. The more realistic dreams have to kick in now.

The NJROTC instructors invited a crew from the U.S.S. Barry to come in and speak with us.

First was the Commanding Officer. I personally loved his honesty about his life choices: he didn’t have a college education and didn’t know what to do with his life. He didn’t believe in himself to move higher up into the ranks, but his officers saw something in him that he failed to see, and he pushed himself to get where he is now.

Next was the Master Chief. He told us about his job, which was mainly to take care of the enlisted and to help them with anything that they need. I feel that it takes patience to do that because when most people have someone under them, they take advantage of it. But he understood his place and knew how important his job was.

Third was the Ensign. She had only been in the Navy for eight months. The interesting thing about her was that she only joined the Navy because her dad--who was a Master Chief--practically forced her to. But she grew to love being in the Navy and now she enjoys going to work everyday.

The next three were Petty Officers and a Seaman. They are relatively new to the crew, but they still have very important jobs.

Something that all of the crew had in common was their love for the Navy and traveling. They’ve seen places from Hawaii all the way to Japan! All of them enjoy the traveling and the beautiful sites that they get to work at.

Seeing such successful people, and hearing their stories of once being confused teenagers like I am, really inspired me. It reminded me that I could do anything I choose with my life. I could be a teacher, a writer, a doctor, a lawyer, or maybe go into the military! So thank you to the U.S.S. Barry crew, for reminding me that my life is in the palm of my hands, and I’m taking it on full storm.