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Last year, I made a Facebook video regarding a career in the U. S military with a few of my South Sudanese brothers in arms. Check out the video below. My whole nursing career was in the military. When I first decided to join the Army, I received much criticism from friends for doing something outside of what is considered "norm." One of my closes friends once said that I joined the military because I didn't want to care for my daughter. She looked at me like I was beneath her and said I chose a job over my daughter. In addition to her comments, rumors circulated in the community, stating, "we thought she graduated from college?" Yes, gossipers, I graduated college. I decided to take it up a notch, WhatsUp! I joined to end my family poverty, pave the way for my kids, and set myself apart from the herd. You can join too, with no degree or with degrees. What we do with our lives is a personal choice. The military was the route I took, and it was nothing but fruitful for my family and me.
The military is not for failures or irresponsible young adults as people think; it is for the brave, the determined, the patriots, those who want to get their act together, and those longing for more, to name a few. People join the military for many reasons, including educational benefits, healthcare benefits, travel opportunities, and the desire to serve this great country. Whatever the reasons are, this career is not for the criminal or the whiners. It's for the dreamers, future leaders, go-getters, and self-starters.
At 37 years old, I am retired, and I received retirement pay that would allow me to live anywhere in the world! My mortgage is tax-free; I have healthcare cover, and the military can pay for my school if I choose to go back to school. To those friends who were criticizing me for joining the Army, how is your life going? I hope it's going well. My daughter is now a sophomore in college, and the military is paying for it. She is going to college debt-free. When my boys are old enough, they will have the same benefits because their mother served. Wouldn't that be great if you could do that for your children? I want that for your children, too. Think long-term even if you don't have children yet!
To all South Sudanese young people, if you ever thought about joining the military and having a good track record, do not let the naysayers stop you from living your life. Doing the same thing and acting like everyone else is the number one reason people live a mediocre life. Go to the nearest recruiter center and be informed. We left South Sudan for these opportunities, so why are you leaving them on the table?
Please follow me on social media. This is how I can help the masses. It's impossible to mentor individuals but through social media, we can help each other. Reach out to me if you feel I can be any help to you. Thank you for your support. It's been over a year since we launched ROSS Girls Breaking the Silence. Keep Sharing and following my life journey until I see you at the top!
by Nyajuok T. Doluony