What to say to my parents? Please help!

[Jessica]

Ever since a friend of mine left after graduation from high school as a Nuke in the Navy, I looked into what he was doing, and found the Navy and the military in general very interesting. Since then, there has not been a day that goes by where I don't think about, or daydream about, being in the Navy. My parents have what I guess would be expectations, that I should stay on track with college, my mom thinking I should be a teacher. But, really, I have no idea what i want to do and my second semester of my sophomore year of college is right around the corner. I feel like I'm wasting my time and my parent's money by going to college with no career in mind. I have a different plan of action. I figured that I would enlist in the Navy as a hospital corpsmen and then, if I want still be a teacher, use my G.I Bill to get through the rest of my college classes. At the moment I'm working on an associates degree that would go towards teaching if I wanted to pick it up later. My parents have never supported my idea of the military and I'm afraid never would. They won't talk to me when I bring it up or say anything positive, just that it's a stupid idea and I'm being influenced by my boyfriend (in DEP currently). I've asked them to see a recruiter, but their convinced that my recruiter will tell me whatever i want to hear. But i trust my recruiter, he's helped 6 people in my graduating class join the military! He actually goes to bat for his soon to be sailors and has told me more downsides of the Navy than most people probably do. He started out by asking me why i wanted to join and then trying to talk me out of it (strange approach). But really, the only thing that scared me was the part of bootcamp where we get vaccinated (I have a terrible fear of needles). I really think i can do this. I am a hands on type of person, a visual learner, by no means a read the chapter and take a test person.
Any advice on what to say to ease the blow when i make my final decision?

[Jessica]

one of the things my parents kept telling me is that i'm being sucked in with this grand idea of free college and travel and that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I guess it depends on what rate you get.

[Grace]

The rate you get definitely is a factor, they are correct about that. That's why a really high score on the asvab is important, and so is your contract when you go in. You need to survive boot camp and be successful in A school too, cause if you are dropped, you become Undesignated and have to strike(apply) for a new rate(job). But do not be discouraged if the Navy is what you really want. You have to be prepared to work and study very hard, and be challenged physically and mentally. There are rewards if you meet the challenges.

[Kathryn]

My son is a Nuke MM. I questioned everything at first, but now I realize it was one of the best things that he could do. After all the economy sucks. Since you're doing well in college, you might consider talking to the recruiters about NROTC. If you qualify that could get you a scholarship and a future in the Navy. I would also consider asking your mom and dad if they were at least willing to go see the recruiter with you. With my son, I knew he was going to do what he wanted regardless of whether I supported it. Supporting him and his decision let him know that I would be here for him if things fell apart and when he needed someone other than other sailors to talk to.

[Debbie (Stephen's mom)]

Boy that is a hard one, it is hard for a parent to have their child grow up and want to leave, but if this is what you want to do, I am sure they will come around. I miss my son everyday but I think this is a wonderful thing he is doing. You have to be happy and just give your parents a chance. Maybe they could go to the recruiters with you, or they can call and talk with a recruiter. Best of luck!

[navymom - nancy]

You need to follow what you would like to do, but also keep in mind that is not all about going to school and traveling. There may come a time when you need to put your life in harms way and you need to be certain you are comfortable with that

[Kristina]

As a mother I understand how your parents are feeling but the bottom line is this is your life and your choice. I was not thrilled when my youngest daughter enlisted, but at the same time she was making a lot of sense; she was going to college full time; working a full time job and trying to have a life and drowning in it all.
I will tell you how she did it. She came to me and her father and said "I am going to see a recruiter tomorrow would one of you like to go with me?" She did not ask us what we thought, she told us what she was doing and invited us to be a part of it. We were both scared for her, her father went with her and at the appointment she signed. That was September 4th and she went to boot camp on October 26.
It is really hard on her father and I because we miss her but the bottom line is that we are also very proud. Ultimately this is a decision that you have to make and live with. I am sure that your parents love you and don't want to let go (Trust me it killed me) but they will learn to accept it and be proud of you. Good luck and follow your dreams

[petere]

jessica,i am a father of a navy airman getting ready to graduate from A school.she is already a college grad who was teaching.all she says to me is that she wishes she joined the navy years ago.her mother forbid it.you can't go wrong with any decision you make,only future years from now will determine what was right or wrong.if you join the navy make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.just be honest with yourself and make a two column list with the headings "pro"s" and "cons".you must be willing to work hard and become more disciplined than you could ever become in private life.only you can decide your fate,not your friends,family,or clergy.it is your life and if you asked 100 people 50 will says do it and the other 50 will say don't.please let me know what you choose.thank you and good luck.by the way,i have always been proud of my daughter no matter what,but with this sacrafice she is making i have never been more proud of her.when she is happy,i am happy.

[mrssaxon]

I hope you make the decisions that is right for you , Not your family or your boyfriend. my daughter left in July and is still trying to finish her fitness, do what makes you happy it is your life, but be ready and sure cause it is light years away from what you know ( from my recruit daughter) make sure you get physically fit I mean get the run time down, the fitness is sooo much a part of what you need to prepare for they are going to challange you mentally and physically. my child was dep and she did use the time to get ready and she is paying the price run work out get ready. I did go and talk to the recruiter and the only thing I was sure of is that my child wanted to do it and I wanted to support this positive step this mature step she was taking I will pray that you make the decision that is right for you and that if the family does not approve you will be able to make peace with them!
good luck!

[coco009]

Hello,
My son is a Navy Corpsman, like your parents I never accepted the idea of him enlisting wright after his graduation. He was in Air Force ROTC for 4 years, I liked it because of the discipline and the activities within the community. My son graduated with honors and received excellent sholarchips for great colleges, I begged him not to enlist, but he did it with the support of my husband, his dad, it took me a while to accept it. He told me he was not ready for college, and we will be waisting efforts and money because he was just going to party with his friends, he said he needed to get away from the partying and he felt the Navy will give him the opportunity to safe lifes, he was ready to go and start his new life.

Today I could not express my gratitud to the Navy Corspman Program, he has learned so much, he graduated with honors and got an award for excellent achievment, he is almost like my family Doc. He loved the Navy and his military life, his friends, the places he has been, His dream now is to become a Surgeon with the Navy and go to Stanford..

Now he is in Afghanistan, my heart is broken but I still support him, He left three days ago and travelled from CA to OHio, then Canada, Germany, Russia, Kenershthan and then Afghanistan. I know is the most difficult time for me.........I adore him and we are all so proud of him. He has matured a lot and now after two years of training his dream is a reality, I know he is in God's hands, He is my hero and has the admirations of family and friends. I cry constantly but GOD's light and his strenght are my Survival.

[Navy Aunt (AF Wife)]

Jessica, you may want it research a program called Troops to Teachers. Maybe this will help with your parents.

[rickashay]

Well Jesica this is a decision that you and only you can make, i spent 23 years in the navy and alot has changed since my days, if you want to be a corpsman and you are in college go talk to the recruiter and find out what you have to do to become an officer in the medical corps, you will make alot more money and you will alot happier as an officer trust me, there are different fields in the med cor you can get into and im sure that they will let you continue your college as well, i was stationed at great lakes for many years and thats where you will go to boot camp and corps school, i know deep inside of me that you would be much happier as an officer i wanted to be a corpsman and when i was done with A school i wanted to become a male nurse, they wouldnt let cause i was to old when i went in back in 1981, I wish you all the luck in the world no matter what your decision is, Gods speed to ya Jessica.
Steve T BM1/USN/ RET.
ps keep me posted if you want to.

[tam2x]

Why don't you try to get a Navy ROTC scholarship? My son didn't even apply until he was a freshman in college. That way, you can go into the medical field if you would like. You will finish school (with the military paying for most of the bill) at the college of your choice. Your parents would see you are being responsible which will definitely gain their support. You will be commissioned upon graduation at a higher level of pay and rank and everyone comes out on top! Except for maybe your boyfriend because now he will have to salute you! lol