To Join Or Not To Join

Always Faithful! That is the USMC motto and that is a commitment I am willing to make. Ever since I was 12 years old I have wanted to join the Marines. Lately, this is something I have been considering because it's something I have always been passionate about. Besides my family, I have never been so passionate about anything in my life. I wasn't going to tell anyone in fear that I would be rejected as a woman because I wanted to do this. Second I was fearful my friends and family wouldn't support me. My best friend said she didn't agree, but she supports whatever decision I made; however, I did not feel any support. I am not doing this for the money or to support my family. I know I could go months or years without seeing them, but I want to teach my children to be passionate about something they hold dear to their hearts. Even if all I did was become an engineer for the USMC I truly believe I could be happy. Although she did not agree, I understand where my friend and her husband are coming from. The world has gone to shit. Plain and simple! It is corrupt and manipulated by the worst president and Presidential candidates possible. I truly believe I could help the world though. Even if it is only one child or adult at a time. This is my dream. To help our country become a safer and better living environment for my children and for the children of my friends and everyone else. Joining the Marines does not mean I would become a sniper. I could be an engineer! Who knows!

I know they are concerned about me and about the way the world is today. I know they are concerned about my safety and my kids safety. I know they don't want me to die without watching my kids grow up. I know that my kids will need a mother. However, I want to teach my children to chase their dreams and do what they are passionate about. I don't want them to sit down later in their lives and regret not doing something they have wanted. I have always said I never regretted anything, but that was a lie. Not joining the USMC has always been my biggest regret. I know they heartache, struggle, sadness, and regret I have felt my whole life for not doing what I wanted. I do not want the same for my children. I do not want the same for your children or your children's children. I want to say that I tried my best and I did all I could do. I know that I am the only one that can truly make this decision, but yes, everyone else's opinion matter to me no matter how hard I try not to let it matter. So please, keep my family and I in your thoughts as I struggle with the best decision I can make for my family, and thank you for taking the time out of your day to do so.

Until Next Time....

Maria Vincent