My daughter the EN?

[Jazzy's Mom]

Hello all, I'm new here and just trying to find as much information as possible to prepare my daughter, and myself on this new course in her life. She goes to MEMS January 2013 and as of right now,to BC the following day. She's already taken her ASVAB, twice actually and said she decided to become an EN. This is definitely not the choice I had pictured for my girly girly and would love to hear from other mothers whose daughters are ENs such things for her to know before hand that might make it easier for her to adjust.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

[Anna]

Debra,

Hurray for your daughter!!!  Can you imagine her trying to get into this line of work anywhere in the civilian world, but in the Navy our girls have the opportunity to learn any trade they want!!!  And she will be well trained in her field!!!  May not be a career choice that we would have picked out for them, but they also have a chance to make a change down the road in many different ways if she really wants!!  She will be assigned to a ship and can have lots of opportunities to travel and see many places we can only dream of!!!  I have three children who have gone Navy.  My son has been in since '03, first four years as an Aviation Ordnanceman and then he changed to an Intelligence Specialist.  Of my twin daughters, one enlisted in 08 right after high school.  She went in as a Personnel Specialist but found it impossible to get advanced.  Took the E-4 test and passed it every time but the rating is so overmanned, she could not advance.  She got out and is now pursuing her college degree on the post 911 GI bill.  Her sister went to college right out of high school and got her degree in Chemistry.  She put in for Officer Candidate School and just recently was commissioned an Ensign.  She is in Pensacola waiting to begin training to become a Naval Flight Officer.  None of my children would have had these opportunities in the civilian world. So I know you are just starting this roller coaster ride of being a Navy Mom!!  If you have questions, or concerns - or just want to chat with other Moms, join us on the Moms of Daughters 2 group (I sent you a personal welcome on your page) and there are several seasoned, and other new Moms who would love to connect with you!!! 

[christmas2006]

hi, and welcome to the military life, and may God  bless your daughter for her choice of duty to her country instead of working at taco bell or mcdonalds.our "little girl" has had a number of  rank increases,i was terrified when she joined, but she was in a military family, her dad,grandfather,husband,now her,i can't say where she is  or what she's doing, but she's not with her family until 2014, then maybe they can reunite. we are  so proud of the career she chose,she has knowledge now she wouldn't get outside the military.

  you and her  will adapt to what will unfold,she went in i might add with 3  small children also, so it was extra  hard on everyone, but she put her mind to it and aced everything, your daughter can do the same, we have to give them the room to spread their wings and fly, and once they take off and show everyone they can fly, you will be able to let go,its the first part thats the hardest, she's  gonna need you for support, and you can get support here,we all took our first steps at one time or another.i'm not sure what an EN is my daughter is out somewhere bad,we fear for her, so we pray alot. enjoy this time for  your daughter, let her  discover what she can do, you gave her all the tools, now let her use them.God bless, and she'll do fine, there will be others with her just doing the same thing, and other moms like you, God bless.bev obrien

[Jazzy's Mom]

Thank you Anna and christmas2006 for the warm welcome. You both sound extremely proud of your daughters and they sound like amazing individuals. I too, am extremely proud of my daughter. She started this process two years ago and never waivered from her decision to join. Plus she seems to be taking all the necessary steps to be ready when January gets here. I'm not a huge talker but where I lack there i make up for in research lol. Thanks again and I'm sure I will have plenty of questions as the time gets closer.

[MariaLuisa]

Hi Jazzys Mom,

first of all be very proud of her let her know you are fine with her desition even if inside you are crying your heart out, spend as much time as possible with her enjoy the simplies moments remember time goes fast celebrate each day let her know your feeling be honest but always remember to let her know how proud her. hope to be able to become friends our little girls are women God bless you and yours.

[beachmom76]

My husband just retired after 31 years as an engineer so I will share some of his observations as your daughter begins her career as a "snipe" (the navy nickname for engineers).

• Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, literally. LOL
• Take every chance to look at the tech manuals.
• If someone is tearing apart a piece of equipment or making an unusual repair; watch, listen, learn!
• Find the most dedicated/respected people in the division and copy them.
• Ask questions!

He found that the people who had successful careers followed these suggestions.  It can be a great field for a woman, but she can't be shy about diving into the work. Best of luck to your future snipe!

[Jazzy's Mom]

Thanks so much beachmon76. I've read a lot about 'snipes' but haven't found a lot about female snipes, although I keep looking. She swears she's ready for the heat, sweat and dirt of the job but one can never tell if they are truly ready until they are in the midst of it.

 

I'm rooting for her all the way. It will be a learning experience for her, and for her whole family. Thanks again for sharing and I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

[Figgie125]

Hi. My daughter, also very girly girls, my very own Paris Hilton Wanna be, is going to be UT. I know what you are feeling. I wouldve never thought in a million years that she'd even consider being a SeaBee, there her it is, a week before she leaves and she's excited about all of it--Boot camp, the running, the yelling, the fire fighter training, the tools....She picked a field that is only at 15% female. She has 5 brothers from her dad's side so she's used to the alpha males in her life... Im so proud I could just burst!!. Our daughters are much stronger than we give them credit for!! Good luck!!

 

[Jazzy's Mom]

Thanks Figgie125. We are down to 47 days until she leaves. It seemed not that long ago it was 97 days! The time is flying by and I know if I blink too many times it will be here already. Good luck to your daughter. And yes I do believe my daughter is much stronger than I've given her credit for being. These past few weeks have proved it to me lol.