Life After High School: The Navy

Some students go off to college to earn a degree right after graduation. Some go straight into the work force to start earning money; however, senior Jeff Chen is doing things a little differently— he’s going off to the Navy. Yearning for
independence and hoping to give his younger siblings a better chance so his
parents will be able to pay for their college education, Chen decided to join the Navy. Entered as an enlist, he strives to become an officer or even an admiral one day.
“My goal is to have a full-time career in the Navy. Not many minorities [are in] the Navy, I want to be a part of the start of that,” said Chen.
He does not necessarily want to go in as a Navy Seal; rather, he wants to work in the medical field as it specifically grabs his interest.
“The military is the military. I joined the Navy because the Marines are [involved in] combat. There’s always going to be a risk. My parents are more comfortable with the sense of feeling of safety for me,” said Chen.
To be in any officer position one needs a Bachelor’s
Degree. Chen hopes to join the Naval Academy next year.
However, after graduation he’s going to be stationed in
Chicago for boot camp. “I plan to go to college to learn the field, because the main thing about the Navy is that it’s hands on. I’m not good at watching movies in class and taking notes on a lecture,” said Chen.
Chen is excited to see where this field will take him,
hoping to find success and additional happiness in his
endeavors. He’s one of few AHS seniors who are leading the way into the military, exuding the eagerness and bravery necessary to start his career.
“We can do anything we set our minds to, just go for it,” said Chen.
By Features Editor Karolina Zydziak