What did I learn about others? I learned that Strangers from all over the world can become best of friends in a very short period of time. We sweat together, we tire together, we struggle together; we are treated as equals. It was the struggling together that really made us bond with one another.

What did I learn about myself? I went into the military lost and undisciplined. Almost immediately I knew I wanted to do it for the rest of my life. I gained the discipline to master all of my tasks as an Infantryman and was considered a top tier Soldier. All of my peers respect me for my effort. I learned that I really enjoy the challenges of the military and I like teaching incoming soldiers.

What did I learn about the world? Being in the military I have traveled the world. I learned that the military bond and friendship has no boundaries. Every base I’ve ever been to I was treated like family. Being away from my family and friends sounded scarier than it actually was because I had my platoon with me everywhere I went. I still talk to soldiers from places like Texas, Hawaii, South Korea, and Puerto Rico every single day. I learned how to survive everywhere I was sent whether it was the year I spent in the frozen woods of South Korea learning about cold survival or the 2 months I spent in the scorching 120 degree heat of Death Valley California learning about heat survival. None of it would have been possible without the guidance, motivation, and friendship of my platoon.