The Nevada Sagebrush

In the summer of 2000, I found myself in a difficult position. By doing what most college students do — party a lot and skip classes — I had gotten myself academically suspended from school. With no real prospects and a horrible GPA keeping me out of school, I decided to join the Army. Though this decision turned my life around, there wasn’t one specific instance that changed everything. Instead, there were many little moments that brought me to where I am now.

I remember 2001, when I was in basic training. Every time it got tough, all I could think was that I couldn’t go home and tell my dad I had failed. This helped me push through the most difficult moments. Getting through basic training and then Warrant Officer Candidate School showed me how much willpower I really have.

Though my Army career didn’t take the direction I initially intended, it did give me the focus and direction to go back to college. After leaving active duty and returning to Nevada, I found myself passing my classes. All it took was attending class, taking notes and completing all the assignments. My grades did improve, but they weren’t as high as I had hoped. There was still something lacking in my focus.

Another thing I did upon my return was join the Army National Guard to get the added education benefits. Just more than a year into my return to school, I found myself being shipped off to Afghanistan for a year-long deployment. I had to work harder under tough deadlines in the most stressful environment. This was the sense of dedication and purpose that had been lacking in my previous endeavors.

After returning from Afghanistan, I was able to finish my bachelor’s degree within three semesters. I completed 42 credits with a GPA that was nearly 4.0, which allowed me to make the dean’s list twice. Following graduation, I became a graduate student and a teaching assistant. I’m even scheduled to teach my own classes this summer.

Military service certainly isn’t for everyone, but it has allowed me to achieve my educational goals. Today, I find myself in a better place, poised to excel in my career goals. The military has given me the focus I need to succeed, no matter what obstacles I face. My eight years in the Army was one of the most rewarding parts of my life and I will always think of myself as a soldier.

Trevor Wojcik’s National Guard unit is the 1/189th Aviation Regiment. Reach him at perspectives@nevadasagebrush.com.

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