I Have Something to Say

I'm an Asian currently in my first year of college. Why did I have to point out I'm Asian? Because I the oldest son of Asian immigrants to America. I was born in the Philippines and came to America when i was six and I grew up in the south. I'm as American as anyone can get. But my parents are very traditional. Anyways I'm at my first year at college and I still love at home, not on campus. And I feel very restless and I don't even like the things that I am doing at college. And everyone is always saying do what makes you happy and take pride in what you do. So I went to the job fair at my college and the marines were there and they really struck a cord with me. And I plan on enlisting but my parents are against me enlisting. Do you guys have any advice on how to convince them? All they care about me finishing school and getting a degree, they don't care if about what I want to do with my life due to their culture. And I want to be a good son but I also don't want to be stuck in something that I don't want to do with the rest of my life. Anyways any advice would be appreciated.

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

greenmountaingal · 70-79, F

The Marines can be a good career...FOR AN OFFICER! Your best bet is to ask the Marine recruiter what kind of college degrees they value in the Marines. Then major in that, graduate, THEN enlist in the Marines. If you like your career as an officer in the Marines, great. If not, you can go back to college at their expense and get another degree or go into the civilian working world with a degree + experience + military service. It would give you more choices. And while you are in college in preparation for your life in the Marine Corp and Basic Training, you can work out and take PE classes at your college to stay in shape.

Talking traditional parents into or out of anything is a job so hard it's never been done. It'll be simpler and more productive to keep your own dream of a military career and combine it with theirs. That can work out very well.

Fortinbras · 26-30, M

The recruiter said I could go to college while I'm in my unit after basic training and getting my MOS. he's actually gonna come later this week to talk to my parents. And I would finish first but college is expensive and student loans aren't fun from what I've head.

greenmountaingal · 70-79, F

@Fortinbras: If that recruiter can't budge them, no one could, because those recruiters do this all the time; it's their career! The financial aspect should be a strong factor. Best of luck with this.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

Don't buy what the Marines tell you. Finish college and then, if you still want, enlist.

Fortinbras · 26-30, M

Is this from experience? Can you elaborate more please?

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

I spent 2 years in the military when we had no choice, I am as patriotic as anyone else, but the military is certainly not for everyone and being a non-com is really the pits.

Fortinbras · 26-30, M

I see thanks for your input

Fungirlmmm · 51-55, F

What was it about the Marines that struck a chord with You. Actually a lot of the military persons I know are in college as well or deferred enlistment until after college. Can you not finish your degree and then go in at a higher rank with the Marines. I'm not a Marine but maybe you could compromise with your parents in this way if you genuinely want to be a Marine.

Fortinbras · 26-30, M

I mean I've always loved a challenge physically and mentally. And I'm doing pre nursing which I don't even like that much.

Fungirlmmm · 51-55, F

You have to follow your own path in life. I come from a family of military members. My father grandfather etc. Some of the people I'll be most followed that path. It is definitely more than a career... It becomes your life.

LivAbit · 46-50, M

I don't really have any advice. I just wanted to wish you the best. Good luck my friend.

Add a comment...