"Enlisting in the Marine Corps" by Yishai R

     As a child, I have always wanted to enlist in the military and serve our country. My parents migrated into this country at an early age and I feel that I have an obligation to serve our country. Senior year is a big step in my life that is going to introduce me into the adult world and my future as a United State Marine. Before the enlistment process you need to go to the Military Entrance Processing Station or known as MEPS. On September second after speaking to my recruiter extensively (Staff Sergeant Hitz), I was set head out to MEPS.
      A week later on September ninth I had an anxious feeling followed by impatience would only intensify as the day continued and arriving there was an aweing experience. When you walk through those doors, you can feel intense pressure as if the gravity in the room has doubled or tripled. For most people, including myself, received a wake up call. Hearing Officers from different branches yelling orders to us civilians made almost everyone think “Why in God’s name did I decide to do this”? It was quiet but loud at the same time. One moment it would be dead silent enough to where you can hear Day one was mainly reception and exam taking. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is the main test that you take at MEPS but due to me taking the test prior to arriving at MEPS, I took the other required tests in order to qualify for enlistment. The other tests were computer and psychological tests to see the individuals cyber knowledge and mental state.
      After the test taking we had to wait for the bus to pick us up to our hotel due to MEPS being a two day process. One important piece of information, phones are not allowed anywhere in the facility. Phones and personal items including wallet are taken into storage until further

notice. We waited for eight hours in a room for the bus to arrive while all of us died of boredom as we twiddle our thumbs for eternity. I made friends with two two other Marines and we luckily had the first bus to drive to our hotel Embassy Suites. We were assigned roommates and were free to do as we please until 10:00 pm our curfew. I was given dinner and I made new friends with people who were enlisting in the Navy and the Army.   We visited a mall that was less than a mile away and enjoyed the peace and quiet. We later went home and I met my roommate that was very kind and polite.
      Day two was the Medical exams and personal background check followed by swearing into the Military. This day started with a blazing alarm at 4:00 am,had breakfast and prepared our things. We loaded into the bus and arrived back to MEPS for medical exams. This day was the longer, more challenging day. This day consisted with a hearing, drug, sight, and medical background test. The difficult part of the day was being practically interrogated by doctors and an officer confirming any answer that I have given previously “You stated that you have never done any illegal drugs, Is that true? You can tell me, it can be wavered if you have off. If you lie, you can face prosecution and up to five years in prison. You are aware of that correct?” etc. Having to hear the same questions over and over again were irritating but I got over that. The moment of truth arrived when I was called to swear in while an offer lead the ceremony. The self accomplishment and excitement I felt while stating the following sentence: “I (_____) do solemnly swear that I will defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign or domestic, that I will obey the orders of the Officers appointed over me, according to Regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice so help me so help me God... ” I was officially enlisted in the military. Ship date: June 29, 2020.
      This experience was the beginning of me building up to my dream career and achieving my life goals, this being a major goal in my life. This has changed me as an individual because I

realize that we are all growing up and the adult world is right around the corner. I plan to enjoy every little bit of childhood I can before I ship out to bootcamp.