Earlier this year, social studies teacher Olivia Porter had an opportunity to join the few, the proud, the Marines for a unique and transformative experience she will never forget — one that tested her strength, built her resolve, and gave her a better understanding of the U.S. military.
Ms. Porter joined approximately 30 high school educators, administrators, and youth organization leaders from across New York for The Marine Corps Educators Workshop at Parris Island, SC. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) recruits about 90 teachers from each state to one of two boot camps in the U.S. (Parris Island, East of the Mississippi, and San Diego, West of the Mississippi) for this workshop that is designed to "demystify the boot camp experience."
“I have always wondered about what boot camp is like for young men and women who join the United States Armed Forces,” Ms. Porter shared. “When (school counselor) Alicia Soper sent us a flyer that the local recruiter had left, I jumped on the opportunity to attend this amazing event.”
Participants in this USMC program – that is offered about six times annually – must be physically able to participate in rigorous daily activities, which often involve extended periods of standing, walking, and physical training.
Ms. Porter explained how this experience demonstrated the grit and determination it takes to become a Marine, and how she believes it can help support teaching and learning in her classroom.
“I learned so much from this workshop! Like how difficult it is to actually become a U.S. Marine, the mental fortitude it requires, and all the fun these people have working as a team,” she said. “For my classroom, I learned that intense repetition, specific instructions, and a calm effect in the face of challenges can motivate students to do their best. I had used many of these techniques prior to the workshop, but seeing how the Marines live enabled me to develop better strategies and classroom management techniques.”
Ms. Porter spoke about how stepping into the world of the Marine Corps challenged many participants in positive ways, encouraging them to tackle their fears and persevere rather than give up.
“My favorite parts of this workshop were the challenges. On the first day, I climbed down a 60-foot wall with only my own strength and a couple of ropes to prevent my demise — I am AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! But I took this challenge in stride and went down the wall anyway. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life,” she said. “On the second day, we did a challenge course, the Crucible, which is part of the last step recruits take before they become Marines. This exercise is intended to see how well recruits can work together to achieve a goal. I was on a team with three other women, and we succeeded in our effort to ‘get the troops and the ordinance across the broken, toxin-laced bridge.’ After, we went to the firing range, and although I had never used any type of firearm prior to this experience, I managed to hit targets 300 yards away while in the standing position. Things that I was afraid to do before this experience seemed so much less frightening when surrounded by Marines.”
Ms. Porter praised the Marines for their constant encouragement of workshop participants, often through good-natured jokes and reminders of all they had accomplished during the challenges, which she said was extremely inspiring.
“This was one of the single most life-affirming experiences I have ever had. The Marines we spent our days with were knowledgeable, kind, considerate, and answered any questions we had,” she said. “Even our Drill Instructors (who yelled at us for a few days) joined us on our last evening and spoke with us about their job, their idea of who makes a great Marine, and how we could help young people to meet their goals, no matter what they are. I have never felt so appreciated and motivated by the strangers around me, most of whom were friends by the end of the trip.”
She added that the workshop changed her understanding of the Marine Corps itself, and all that the military does in service to the country.
“This experience improved my character and taught me fortitude and patience,” Ms. Porter shared. “I would love to have recruiters from all branches of the military come to my classroom and speak to my students at least once a year. Our young people need to know that joining the United States Military, regardless of branch, can open doors to unmatched opportunities.”
Ms. Porter summed up the experience this way: “Spending just three days on Parris Island taught me so much about myself, my country, and the people who serve our nation every day.”