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    Home » Life

    Family, the Marines, and the Educators Workshop

    Published: Apr 4, 2018 · Modified: Mar 22, 2020 by Rhonda · 21 Comments

    SPONSORED - This post was created in partnership with the brand mentioned below.

    The Marine Corps Educators Workshop is one of those lifetime experiences that if given the opportunity to attend, you simply must do it!   

    Marine Corps Educators Workshop

    Sometimes we say words just because they are a normal part of our vocabulary and roll easily off our tongues; like we are reciting a script. Family is one of those words.

    All of us have a family of some sort and for many it brings a lot of bad memories. During my time at the Marine Corps Educators Workshop, the same word came up in a multiple interviews and discussions. That word was family.

    I always knew it took a well-oiled machine to run our military, however, I never imagined the love the Marines have for not only our country but each other. For some though, it is a word that brings positive memories, a sense of belonging, a sense of being loved, and a sense of being protected.  During my time at the Educators Workshop, I was able to learn about a family unit that has no blood ties, and that does not see gender, and that does not see race or religion. They see everyone for who they are.

    The family unit I am talking about is the Marine Corps.

    As a Mom of two daughters, I must admit that I never wanted either of them to enlist in the military. I do not know if it was because they are girls or the misinformation that I had heard over my lifetime about females being enlisted. It’s not that I grew up in a non-military family either. I come from a very long line of service members. Two of my Uncles were in the Army and fought in the Korean War. Two of my Uncles were in the Navy and one of them fought in Vietnam. I have several cousins who have served in each branch of the military as well. My husband was even in the military before I met him. It is just as a Mom I felt that I did not want my daughters to be involved with the military.

    Our oldest is in high school and is starting to think about her future. My husband has talked to her about the military, but I was always right there telling her no, it is not for you, find the college you want to visit, and we will make those happen. I was adamant it was not going to happen.

    Many people have asked me why I would even want to attend the Educators Workshop. Especially since I had already set in my mind that my girls would never be in the military if I could help it. I wanted to attend for many reasons.

    One reason I wanted to attend was because of the high admiration I have for our military and for those who have served and are currently serving. What they do to protect our country is something that I can never ever begin to repay them for. Another reason I wanted to go is because due to the fact I only have one eye, I knew I could never even conceive joining any branch, so I never looked any farther into it. I also wanted to attend because I wanted to see what my girls would experience if they joined one of the branches. I needed to see where they would stay, eat, sleep, and who would become their family so to speak as they went from being a recruit to a Marine.

    You can read about my experience at the Educators Workshop here. 

    During my week at the Educators Workshop, from our first day to our last, we saw the beginning of their training to graduation. We were able to get a taste of what all the new recruits went through from the moment they arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. We were able to meet and interview several career Marines (both male and female), we were able to have lunch with Marines from our state who would soon be graduating, and we were able to see the amazing Family unit in action.

    Marine Corps Educators Workshop
    Photo by the Marine Corps

    As a parent, our goal is to protect at our children at all costs. Once they fly the nest after graduation, our fear is magnified. Not only will we not be there for them, especially if they are at college, but we will not be there for them to fall back on when they fall. I have often thought the best thing for my kids would be to live at home and go to a local college. That way they can come each day and they will still be under our roof and my wing. That is exactly what I did. Once I graduated, I started college at a local campus and just lived at home. I was still under my parents’ roof until I got married after I graduated from college.

    After talking to one of the recruiters during our trip, reflecting on everything I saw first hand and heard throughout the week, I realized how big of a mistake it would be to try to force that on my own kids.  Granted if that is what they want to do, that is fine. But by not allowing them to learn how to take care of themselves or letting them fly the coop is worse for them.

    Throughout the week, after talking to several of the career Marines, I concluded that the protection, the family, the support that I want my kids to have after graduation was waiting for them, if they decided the military was the path they wanted to take.

    As I have been reflecting on the week with the Marine Corps, I realized how fantastic of an opportunity attending the Educators Workshop was. Attending the workshop was a once in a lifetime event. I not only had my own eyes opened to how terrific the Marine Corps is, I also realized how fantastic of an opportunity it is for my kids.  Now when I am asked if the experience changed my mind, I say yes it did. And that I would encourage my kids to go that route.  I can honestly say now, that without a doubt, it would truly be an honor if one or both of my daughters would choose to become a Marine!

    I had the opportunity to attend this workshop with 30 of the finest Educators from the State of Indiana.  Throughout the week I talked to them about their experiences and how they felt at the end of the week. 

    Here are some of their thoughts throughout regarding their experience at the Marine Corps Educators Workshop.

    "The workshop opens your eyes to a broader range of students who go into the Marines and also shows that several Marines go into college or in the job world before they enlist", according to Ryan Vermillion, Head of Guidance & Football Coach at Marion High School. When asked what he would say to future attendees, Ryan stated, "You don't need to be apprehensive about anything. It's an awesome experience and if you can go, do it."

    Sue Simmons, Angola High School Business Teacher, FIST Guide (youth philanthropic group), Business owner, 4 children, and Ball State Graduate replied when asked what she planned to incorporate in her classroom that, "I am now going to talk more about the military, especially the Marines to students when they are not sure for post secondary plans. Without the prior knowledge, I did not feel comfortable giving advice." Also when asked what she would say to future attendees, Sue stated, "They need to participate in the activities, not just watch. You do not get the entire experience. If you are going to attend this you need to be able to participate! It is such a great experience!"

    Another educator that I had gotten to know throughout the week felt that, "I would tell a future attendee to pack light, take notes every night and be prepared to learn things you didn't know you needed to learn." They also felt that, " I've worked in the school system for 18 years. In my current role as guidance secretary it is part of my job to gather as much information about all of the opportunities out there for our students . I give this information to the counselors so they may better assist the students in planning their future."

    Travis Heavin, Principal of Angola High School was another one of the educators on this trip. I asked him how he felt the workshop changed him and he replied, " I have better understanding about the Marines and a higher appreciation for their training." And when asked what he would tell future attendees thinking about attending the workshop, his answer was simply, "Do as much as you can while you are there. It is an awesome experience."

     

     

    If you or your kids are interested in learning more about the Marine Corps or the Educators Workshop, reach out to your local recruiting office to learn more.

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    Rhonda

    About Rhonda

    Rhonda is a wanna be foodie, coffee and chocolate lover, and a genealogy nerd. If shopping was a sport, she would actually set records for it. Creating recipes in her kitchen is how she relaxes. She also loves spending time with her family and getting away when she can to the lake.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue Reddel says

      April 06, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      WHAT A WONDERFUL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM TO BE INVOLVED IN. I HAVE SUCH GRATITUDE FOR ANYONE WHO SERVES THIS COUNTRY AND THEIR FAMILIES.

      Reply
    2. Marysa says

      April 06, 2018 at 1:46 pm

      I have never heard about this, but it is definitely a good workshop to go to and be able to learn more.

      Reply
    3. amanda says

      April 06, 2018 at 11:48 am

      This sounds like such an eye opening and educational experience. I admire so much the people who choose to dedicate their lives to the military and the families that support these brave men and women.

      Reply
    4. Sara Welch says

      April 06, 2018 at 10:54 am

      The military can be a rough career to go into. However, I have seen it change lives for the good and I know how much good they do for their country.

      Reply
    5. Sandy N Vyjay says

      April 06, 2018 at 9:28 am

      The Marines educators workshop seems to be such a informative session that probably clears many doubts and bursts many myths. i have a special memory that I associate with the marines, it was a book that i read about the us marines which i can never forget.

      Reply
    6. Carol Cassara says

      April 06, 2018 at 7:37 am

      I think this is a good workshop especially for people who would like to learn more about what goes on during the training and all that. It gives you a better understanding of the kind of lifestyle that they'll have.

      Reply
    7. chubskulit rose says

      April 06, 2018 at 7:25 am

      We are a military family as well, army and Navy. this is a great workshop, i wish they would offer it here in our area.

      Reply
    8. adrienne says

      April 06, 2018 at 7:03 am

      Wow, I had no idea that these workshops were offered for military families. What a great idea and good way to educate people about the marines.

      Reply
    9. Heather says

      April 05, 2018 at 8:39 pm

      Wow! I'm glad that going to something like this changed your mind. If I had daughters I would be hesitant too. I have sons and it just so happens that we are a few hours away from the Air Force base and I think it would be truly amazing if my boys grew up to be cadets and join the air force.

      Reply
    10. Heather says

      April 05, 2018 at 8:33 pm

      This sounds like an amazing workshop. I so admire military families with all of the sacrifice and hard work it takes!

      Reply
    11. Emily says

      April 05, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      what a great way to gain knowledge about the military, seeing first hand the process. I have many cousins that are either active military or just finished their terms. the pride they have in their ACCOMPLISHMENTS is amazing!

      Reply
    12. Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com says

      April 05, 2018 at 4:12 pm

      This sounds like a pretty cool workshop to attend. I have to share this information with my family. Thanks for sharing your experience.

      Reply
    13. Tomi c says

      April 05, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      I come from a long list of service personnel from all ranks and many of them joined right out of high school. it's nice to have trained educators to help those considering a career in the armed forces.

      Reply
    14. Jeanette says

      April 05, 2018 at 11:56 am

      My family is a military family also. My father was in the Navy and he loved it. There are definitely personalities good for the military and some that are not. It sounds like this was a good week and you learned a lot from it.

      Reply
    15. Terri Beavers says

      April 05, 2018 at 11:12 am

      I have two family members in the marine Corps. My dad was in the service so I know what it's like to come from a Marine family. This sounds helpful for sure.

      Reply
    16. Ashley says

      April 05, 2018 at 10:13 am

      Even though i was not in the military and i have no desire for my children to be either i think this is a cool event. like you, i like to learn more about people and history and i respect those who do enlist.

      Reply
    17. candy says

      April 05, 2018 at 10:00 am

      Think we have more of a fear when our daughters are thinking about joining any branch of the service. Don't hold them back I have seen women excell in all areas of service. Great career.

      Reply
    18. Amber Myers says

      April 05, 2018 at 8:19 am

      I love that this workshop is out there debunking myths and putting parents at ease. I grew up a military kid and married a military man, so this is normal life for me. my husband loves what he does!

      Reply
    19. Doria says

      April 05, 2018 at 7:59 am

      Sounds like it was a good experience overall! I must admit I too worry about my guys someday wanting to enlist. I also have a lot of former service members on both sides of my family and as a mom I can't help but worry. Guess we'll see!

      Reply
    20. jenn says

      April 04, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      Wow - I am impressed. This sounds like a wonderful workshop to attend. family is so important and it definitely doesn't have to be blood related. I have friends from college who are my family so i totally get it. can't wait to hear more about it!

      Reply
      • Kiddies CornerKiddies Corner says

        April 04, 2018 at 7:40 pm

        It really was a chance of a lifetime opportunity! It was definitely a reminder that family doesn't have to be blood! During my time there, I have never felt so protected or felt so much pride and respect for each other. It was something I will never forget.

        Reply

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