If you ask a little kid what they want to be when they grow up, you will get many different answers. Most will be something along the lines of an astronaut or a firefighter or a ballerina or President of the United States. Some want to grow up to be a chef or a soldier or an actor. Many kids want to grow up to be something spectacular, but only some really strive to reach their goals. Woodland alumnus, David Bobbie, knew from a very young age that he wanted to grow up to save lives.
Bobbie waited his whole high school career to graduate and start the next chapter of his life, and on September 11, 2016, Bobbie attended training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina for 13 weeks. He found it very difficult to leave his normal tendency and every day routine.
“I started being serious about it in eighth grade and freshman year,” says Bobbie about pursuing a career in the marines. “I wanted to fight for people that can’t defend themselves.”
Everyone has their own reasons for why they want to grow up to do a certain job but not many have to make a decision that could put their life on the line. Being a part of the Marines means risking your life daily to protect the lives of those overseas.
Bobbie, however, looks forward to fighting for a cause bigger than himself.
“People don’t realize how much freedom they have,” Bobbie says.
For him, the hardest part, was to leave his family and friends. Bobbie knew that his family would support his decision to join the military but he admits that he wasn’t sure how they would would accept his decision to join the Marines.
“My mom was in the National Guard and she always took a lot of pride in my decision and always respected what I wanted to do,” says Bobbie.
He also knew that she never really told him all of her concerns.
“She wasn’t comfortable with the position that I chose but she always and will always respect my decision in the role that I choose,” he explains.
Bobbie knew that his mom was worried about his decision but he also knows that she will always want him to follow his dreams regardless of her personal opinion.
Joining the Marines meant that Bobbie had to complete 13 weeks of boot camp training, but still has 59 days of School of Infantry and another 3 months of Military Occupational Specialty training before he can start his job as an intelligence specialist. He hopes to make a lifelong career out of this job and has high hopes for the amount of new experiences that it will bring.
Bobbie says, “I just want to make brothers, friends and brothers, and meet new people, and explore the world and take all of the benefits to my advantage. I like the family and brotherhood that you get, you grow on each other. You fight for the person that’s standing next to you.”
He is nervous but more excited then anything to start this new journey.
Bobbie says, “I just want to get out and start what could be my lifelong career.”
Caitlyn is a Staff Reporter at Hawk Headlines, and has spent one full semester at Hawk Headlines. She once bought a betta fish without telling her mom, and describes herself as a "rebellious reporter".
