Two years after high school, I felt utterly lost in life. I’d tried college for a year but kept falling behind because I never developed good study habits in school. I finally dropped out, with no clear plan for my future. I was an introvert, had few close friends, and didn’t know where to turn or what to do next.

One afternoon, I went for a walk and stopped in front of the military recruiting building to look at the display window. The other service branch recruiters were coming back from lunch and walked right past me, as if I weren’t there - except for the Marine recruiter. He stopped to chat and asked if I would come in to meet someone. Inside, he introduced me to a female Marine fresh from boot camp. Hearing her stories about learning to work as a team, push through tough days and stand tall inspired me in a way nothing else ever had.

That day, on a whim - or what I like to call a moment of “temporary insanity” - I signed up. It turned out to be the best choice I ever made. In the Marines, I learned to stand up for what is right, to speak up even when I felt uncomfortable, and to believe in myself. They taught me real skills, like how to lead a group, stay calm under pressure and stick to a goal. The lessons I learned in the Marines give me strength and confidence every single day, helping me face challenges head on and keep moving forward.

Carol Reed, American Legion Post 78, Auburn, Wash.