Stepping Outside the Box
There are many moments in my life that have changed the course I was on. One of the most influential decisions I have made was to separate from the Army. Going from living in a regimented box for five years to residing in a free world filled with unlimited possibilities was definitely a big change. I owe much of my character and who I am now to my time in the service; I feel I entered as a little boy and came out as a man. My most life changing moment was choosing to leave the Army, while maintaining the valuable qualities and priceless experiences I had developed during my enlistment.
After devoting five years of my life to my country by serving in the Army, I came to a crossroads where I had to decide what to do with my life. I was approaching the end of my enlistment and had to determine how I wanted to live and what I wanted to accomplish. Honestly, some of the drama that arose amongst service members just got annoying and tiresome to deal with on a regular basis. Also, the illogical rules and regulations were burdensome and confusing a majority of the time. I loved fighting for my country, but was ready to focus on myself. I wanted to finish my degree and apply myself in achieving success out in the real world.
I am very grateful for the many great qualities the Army helped to develop within me. At the tender age of nineteen I joined the service a young rambunctious boy that knew it all. My superiors helped to mold me into a better man. I learned to take on multiple responsibilities head first, and to finish everything I started. I was also taught to take pride in my work and to take accountability for all of my actions, even when I made the wrong choices. I grew to own up to my mistakes, and earned respect for others who do the same. I acquired the true meaning of respect and learned the value of it as well. In my opinion nothing rivals the worth of earning someone’s respect. Thanks to the Army I know that...