寻找挑战
To say that Abram Ramirez likes a challenge is an understatement. A sophomore at the University of Idaho, Ramirez is pursuing a degree in animal and veterinary science: production option while also preparing for a commission in the U.S. 海军陆战队.
做一些艰难的事情
Ramirez grew up in Moses Lake, Washington and knew from a young age that he wanted to join the military. He enlisted in the 海军陆战队’ delayed entry program at age 17 and chose the 海军陆战队 because he felt it was the most challenging.
“I wanted to do something hard. I didn’t want an easy, lackluster kind of life,他说. “I knew going into the 海军陆战队 was going to be a huge challenge and make me into the man I wanted to be. 作为一个小孩子, not many people know that they want to be a specific kind of person, so I felt like I was kind of lucky to have that kind of idea.”
Once he enlisted, Ramirez learned of the Navy and 海军陆战队 ROTC program at U of I and the opportunity to commission as an officer — a more challenging opportunity.
“The smaller percentage of the 海军陆战队 is officers and when you compare it to the rest of our military, the 海军陆战队 is the smallest branch,拉米雷斯说. “So being that smaller number inside the smallest branch is the harder way and that’s really attractive to me.“
If it’s harder, I want to do it.”
He was 10 days from shipping out for basic training when Ramirez learned that he had received the National Scholarship from the 海军陆战队, a four-year scholarship that covers tuition, 书, and provides a monthly stipend. Suddenly, the more challenging path was open.
Gaining Agriculture Knowledge
When it came time to choose a major at U of I, Ramirez considered mechanical engineering — a common degree amongst Marines — but knew that it wasn’t the right fit for him. He had always loved agriculture and animals, so he turned to the 农学院 and 生命科学.
“I saw that U of I had a really good Ag program and I really like agriculture,他说. “Moses Lake is big in that, so I thought I’d give it a shot and I did and ended up loving it.”
Ramirez knew it was the right decision after meeting faculty and taking hands-on courses.
“It was so cool to get out and apply what you’re learning in class with your hands and not just looking at a projector screen,他说. “Dr. 科尔和博士. Bass, the energy they give off. They love what they’re doing and that makes me love what I’m doing even more.”
当他毕业时, Ramirez will commission as a second lieutenant and head to The Basic School followed by Military Occupation Specialty school. Then his military career will officially begin. He’s taking the advice of Marines he’s met along the way to not set his mind to one path.
“You could be a guy that says I want to do it for life and then end up hating it or you could be a guy who says I want to do it for one contract and then end up loving it and doing it for your whole life,他说. “So, that’s the mindset I have going into it.
“Right now, I absolutely love what I’m doing with the 海军陆战队.”
本文由 艾米Calabretta, 农学院 and 生命科学
照片 乔Pallen, University 通信 and Marketing
出版于2022年3月
