Crossroads
Social
It’s almost a perfect life.
There were a thousand things I wanted to do with my life. I knew the Navy had journalists, and that’s what I wanted to be. I met with my local Navy Recruiters. Right off, I liked them. They were professional, the kind of people I wanted to work with. They had a sense of humor and were easygoing. So easygoing, in fact, I almost had to pressure them to make me join when I came back for a second appointment. Everything they were telling me sounded too good. I asked them to give me a reason I shouldn’t join.
My parents thought I was insane to enlist. They didn’t think I would survive Recruit Training (Boot Camp), or that I had what it takes to be a Sailor. Things are totally different now. I don’t want to sound corny, but joining the Navy totally changed me. I’m serious about my life now.
Every day, I learn and get to do more with my photography and journalism training. I got to broadcast a story on Hurricane Isabel for the Armed Forces Radio in Europe. I have taken on public affairs duties, providing base tours for visitors. I even met my husband when I went to “A” School for my technical training. I have really hit my stride and I’ve been in for less than two years. I intend to retire from the Navy. Before I do that, I want to get my journalism degree from George Washington School of Media and Public Affairs.
Both my parents are very proud of me. They have lots of pictures of me in uniform. My dad tells me this is the smartest thing I have ever done. He’s actually envious that he didn’t enlist when he was young.
– Amanda Robinson
Seaman, Journalist
