Instead of taking the traditional path of attending college after high school, senior Katie Gates has chosen to sign on an eight-year contract with the Marines.
“I joined the Marines to belong to something that was bigger than myself. I didn’t want to live the typical life of a college student, in debt and doing the same thing day by day,” Gates said.
After Gates met a wounded Marine veteran as a child, her perspective on life changed. She grew passionate about giving back to her community, just as the veteran did. In September Gates began training three times a week for the Marines. On May 6, Gates shipped out for boot camp in South Carolina.
“Boot camp lasts for a little over three months that will consist of extremely vigorous physical activities,” Gates said. “It will prepare me to be mentally and physically strong for instances such as war.”
After boot camp, Gates will go to a secondary camp where she will learn how to use different weapons. The next step for Gates will be combat camp. At this camp, she will learn how to detonate, detect and disarm explosives.
“After I have gone through all of my training I will more than likely deploy out of the U.S. because my job is a combat-related field,” Gates said.
Despite going straight to boot camp after her early graduation, Gates will still be able to receive some college credit through her training. Gates will be a combat engineer, so she earn credits toward an engineering degree. In addition, Gates will receive several benefits from joining the Marines, including tuition for college, health care and travel benefits.
“The military also provides intangible benefits like pride of belonging, honor, duty, self-respect, self-discipline, courage and integrity,” Gates said.
Although she is excited to begin boot camp, Gates admits that she wishes to enjoy some of the luxuries that second-semester seniors get to enjoy. For example, Gates had to give up her participation on lacrosse team and walking at graduation.
“It is difficult to give up my hopes of going to my dream college and following my friends,” Gates said. “I am extremely anxious to leave for boot camp and pursue my career as a United States Marine.”
Gates said she has received mixed responses regarding her enlistment. Despite the reactions, Gates remains positive about her choice.
“I am extremely excited to serve my country even if my job is dangerous,” Gates said. “I feel that as an American it is my responsibility to give back to my community.”
