Marine Corps Educators Workshop
Reflection 4/26/2024
Today, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, I witnessed the graduation of Golf Company, a powerful ceremony that began with the Presentation of Colors. As the colors were raised, the sense of tradition and pride was palpable, signaling the significance of the moment. The graduation of Golf Company represented the culmination of weeks of rigorous basic training, where recruits transformed into United States Marines, prepared to carry the values and legacy of the Corps into the future.
One of the key messages during the ceremony was that "the individual Marine is the Corps." This simple phrase encapsulates the idea that every Marine, through their journey, represents the collective strength and ethos of the Marine Corps. Throughout their training, they internalized the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and by graduation, they were ready to embody these principles in their new roles.
Graduation marked not just an end but a beginning—the start of a new life for these Marines. They entered basic training as civilians and emerged as something more, ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities. The transformation from recruit to Marine involves a profound shift in identity, as they commit to a life of service dedicated to upholding the values instilled in them during training.
As I observed the ceremony, I was struck by the discipline and unity of the new Marines, reflecting the rigorous process that brought them to this point. Several of our Marine escorts encouraged us throughout the week to take note of how the recruits carried themselves along the different moments of intersection. By the time the recruits reached graduation, they had received the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and a noticeable transformation had occurred. The journey from the yellow footsteps to graduation was truly one of intense physical and mental conditioning, but more important was the development of resilience, determination, and grit.
Concluding my visit, I said goodbye to our Marine escorts, who played a crucial role in guiding us through the Educators Workshop. Getting to know them, hearing their stories, and seeing the Marine Corps through their eyes was pivotal to the success of the workshop. It was their dedication and willingness to share their experiences that helped us understand the Marine Corps on a deeper level.
I'm leaving this experience with a profound respect for the men and women who own the title of United States Marine. Their commitment, resilience, and sense of tradition are truly inspiring. As I return to my classroom, I look forward to sharing these insights with my students, especially those interested in a military career. I hope to convey the message that becoming a Marine is more than just earning a title—it's about embracing values that will guide them throughout their lives.
HUA!
