Join me as I travel around the country to fulfill my goal of running a marathon or half marathon in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia!

Friday, September 16, 2011

BIG Changes

I would first like to apologize for my blogging hiatus. I wanted to tell you all why I had been so aloof, but due to employment reasons I couldn't post anything online about it until yesterday when I made a BIG change in my life. Are you ready for this? I swear it is going to come out of nowhere like a Chuck Norris round house:

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy

Told ya it was big. Instead of writing new posts and commenting on all of your wonderful blogs I have been re-learning math from 6 years ago that I never fully comprehended in the first place. Filling out mountains of paperwork and studying for the standardized test that determines which military jobs you qualify for took precedence over blogging - I know, how rude. I promise I will be back on track now. 

Are you thinking what everyone else has been asking me? "But, Sam...WHY? Why are you joining the Navy? You are a college graduate. You have a well-paying job. We are involved in major conflicts overseas. What are you thinking?" Well alright, here comes my "Why I Decided to Join the Navy" story:

I have always been a traveler at heart. Last year, instead of taking a relaxing summer vacation on a beach, I explored as much of Ethiopia as I could. I place an extremely high value on my vacation days so when I was flying back from Africa I literally went straight from the airport to my office with all my luggage in tow. That's just how I roll. My current job is based in DC and doesn't ever require me to travel. I want to explore a little more, but unfortunately flying half way around the world costs quite the pretty penny. An aircraft carrier will take me there for free :)
source

I have an opportunity to do something I love (and get paid for it). All of my life, photography has been a hobby. In college I had several friends who were majoring in graphic design. They often suggested political science might not be my ideal fit and that I should join them amongst the creative folks. Photography never crossed my mind as a potential career field because I am a person who depends on stability and certainty. I couldn't handle the risk of a ridiculously expensive education and such an unreliable job market. With any luck I'll soon be a Mass Communications Specialist in the Navy. My days will consist of journalism, photography, and public affairs events. I will be responsible for telling the Navy's story. I'm not saying I don't like the job I have now in the civilian world (because I really do), but I honestly don't think I could be more excited about this new opportunity. I promise to keep you posted on when I officially get the job.

My family is supportive of everything I do. I am blessed with wonderful parents. In fact, my dad is the one who encouraged me to look into military service. Since I have a college degree, he had originally suggested officer school for me, but the program I wanted (Public Affairs Officer) is extremely competitive and only takes 2 or 3 civilians every year who are experts in the field. Enlisting isn't the end of the world. I figure if I get in there and decide this is what I want to make my career, then I can always try for Officer later. I have time. Also, just a side note - my dad is extremely excited that he has another college football team to root for. He spent all of yesterday online shopping for Navy Midshipmen t-shirts and hats for the family. Gotta love him.
Fear the goat?? Ummm, not sure how I feel about that. ha.  source

I feel the need to serve my country. Of course, I had to save the best reason for last. I love the United States of America. We might be going through some tough times right now, and we might not all agree on politics, religion, or values, but there is a sense of camaraderie and patriotism in this nation that could never be diminished. America provides opportunity and freedom to people of all colors, sexes, and religions. I'm proud to be a part of something that defends those liberties.
source

Well, there you have it. Now I'm back to focusing on running races until I ship out on May 1st, 2012 (tentative date). I have a half marathon next weekend that I am so not ready for.


Hooyah, 

16 comments:

ashley said...

Crazzzy, did not see that coming! Totally rocks and exciting to follow your heart/ dreams!!! I have interest in army/marines/navy, but u managed to make this sound awesome to even me :) :) race it up until then!!!!

Erin said...

wow!!!! that is so awesome that you are doing this... i have so much respect for you and wish you so much luck!! GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

good luck on the upcoming running :)

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said...

Wow, big changes indeed! Congrats, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for the future!!!
:)

Unknown said...

Wow, good for you. Looks like you've thought this life change out.

bailey said...

Awesome!!! I think you know how I feel about the Navy! I have seriously contemplated this myself, and it is great to see someone following their dreams! I often work with MCs in my job so that is cool too! Yay!

Austin said...

congrats on a huge step and thank you in advance for the service you will do. (go coast guard!)

Christine said...

congrats! that's fantastic. I've thought about enlisting myself but I love being a teacher. best of luck with it all!

Molly Van Hart said...

Hey hey! Look at that. You little badass you. I could never do the things you do, to quote Joe Poulas on g-chat earlier today, "{Sam's} who I wanna be when I grow up." Damn straight. Also I heard eating fried oreos in coordination with watching a rodeo is perfect training for a race!

Courtney said...

Wow this is amazing! You should be so proud of yourself!

Erik Ammon said...

That's awesome Sam! I'm so proud of you and admire you for doing this! Congrats!!

Marisa @ The Pace of my Life said...

WoW! that is a huge step/decision! I think it is such an admirable decision to serve one's country!!

alisonds said...

Wow! Well done and good Luck! I hope you keep up your blogging form the Navy so we can keep up to date with how you're getting on! xxx

Julia said...

ummm this is SO CRAZY random! but i saw your post on FB the other day and got so excited for you! congrats on your decision! always exciting when you know you are following your dreams :)

Anonymous said...

ROCKSTAR!!!

Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl said...

Wow I middle this post, this is amazing news! Good for you for following your heart and being brave enough to venture into the unknown. This is so cool and I'm sure it will be an amazing and unique adventure. So proud of you!

Richelle said...

I totally did not see that coming! I think your reasons are so valid! Congrats on the next step in your life journey and good luck! I can't wait to read more about it!