Let me tell you a little about how I got to where I am today. When growing up I was always told one rule by my Nana: “Try it once before you can say you don’t like it.” I was not an easy child. I looked up to my older sister who excelled in school, and sat in the outfield picking dandelions while my twin brother hit home runs; I felt like the only person in my family yet to find their sense of purpose. As a kid, my parents could never seem to find something that pleased me. They made countless attempts to introduce me to different after-school activities from flag football, baseball, science clubs, and even my Mom trying to play frisbee golf with me, yet nothing kept me interested.
One of the activities that my Mom found in a magazine was building model rockets. She thought that it might be something that could keep me interested and out of trouble. She soon realized that wasn’t the case. As the class started, so did my attitude. I was mouthing off to the teacher, my Mom, and even the other people in the class. During a break, one of the dads stopped my Mom and told her, “Your son needs the Young Marines.” While I don’t know who that man is, if I could meet him today I would love to shake his hand and say thank you. Little did I know how those words would change my life.
I still remember the first day I went to Young Marines. It was a brisk morning; the dew was still on the grass, and the sun was just peeking over the horizon. As we pulled into the parking lot, I was begging my Mom to turn around, but it was too late. I saw the drill instructor standing in the distance. He was yelling for me to get out of the car. I was in a panic, wrapping the seat belt around my arms, screaming and crying not to go. Finally, they were able to get me out of the car and I was ordered to stand at attention on the yellow chalk footprints. As I stood, staring at the wall in front of me with tears running down my face, all I could think about was that I wanted to go home.
I am beyond grateful that Mom made me stay in the program. I still remember my first taste of leadership; I was just ten years old and was told that I was going to be the platoon sergeant for the day. That first leadership experience was a small spark that would eventually kindle a fire.
I grew physically and mentally as a leader. I went from a scared, lost eight-year-old to a teenager with a passion and a path. I attended Junior Leadership School, where I was taught how to be a leader, how to understand different learning styles, and what type of leader I am personally. In the next two summers, I would attend both Senior Leadership School and Advanced Leadership School.
After eight years in the program, I was invited to board for Division Young Marine of the Year. It feels like just yesterday I was begging my mom to not go to Young Marines, yet here I am, representing the program.
When I got the call that I was selected as the Divison six Young Marine of the year, I was in disbelief. Since the day I won, I have had some of the most amazing, life-changing experiences. During my time with the Young Marines, I have traveled to over sixteen different states sharing the Young Marine values of Leadership, Teamwork, and Discipline. I have spoken to audiences of hundreds of people and met people that will forever leave an impact on my life. Most importantly, I now teach at those leadership schools that I attended years ago when I was just finding myself as a leader, and am now able to help new kids find the leader in themselves.
Some of the events that have left the biggest impact on my life are those where I met some of my best friends. The Young Marine has events that no other program offers. From watching the past Division Young marine of the year fall off of a horse in Wyoming spending a week on an active cattle ranch. Where I rode horses, roped cattle, and saw amazing views. Just this past month where I got to live in the trees of Idaho on beautiful Coeur d’Alene doing things such as canoeing, archery, and meeting so many of you here. Events like these are some that I will remember forever. For the people I met, they will be lifelong friends with so many good memories.
Today I live by my three M’s: motivate, mingle, and mentor. Everywhere I go I’m trying to meet new people, motivate them to go out of their comfort zone, and spread my message that it won’t always be easy, but you must embrace your discomfort and push through struggles that come your way.
Through my adventures over the years, I have learned many priceless lessons. First I would have to say don’t be afraid to be yourself. Some people are going to love your personality and others not so much but at the end of the day, your personality is what sets you apart from everyone else. Every one of us brings something different to the table that others can’t. Whether you are a private fresh out of recruit training or a seasoned adult volunteer with years of experience you are invaluable. So pursue what you’re passionate about, do what makes you happy, and don’t let anyone stand in your way of that. Second is don’t let other people’s opinions define yours. A big problem with everyone today is they are so opinionated about everything and everyone. As I travel and meet hundreds of new people I have noticed this more and more. Get your own impression of everything and don’t let others decide for you. Become friends with people that make you happy but only stay friends with those who support you. So don’t give up on what you want to do. Don’t listen to the people who tell you it is impossible. With this I want everyone to know you have the power to do something great, build yourself as a person, create new goals and aspirations, and make new friends. Tomorrow is a new day so make it a great day.
