10 answers
Leah
Student
Russell Springs, Kentucky
3
Questions
Asked
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I'm stuck on what to do, can anyone help?
I'm about to enter 10th grade and right now I'm stuck between becoming an elementary teacher or enlisting in the military. I'm in EdRising for becoming a teacher and in the NJROTC program at my school to seek a path in the military. I honestly don't know which to choose, if anyone from any pathway can give me suggestions or feed back it would be greatly appreciated.
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10 answers
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
I'd join the military for the minimum amount of years required for them to pay for college. After that I'd go to school to become a teacher. Pay is poor for teachers and not having a student loan payment would benefit you greatly. Also, most new Elementary Teachers are assigned 4th or 5th grade classes. It's hard to be 22 years old and managing up to 35 pre-teen students. The military will teach you a lot about structure and routine. These skills will help you focus on teaching and not behavior.
That would be my advice as well! If you get into the military and find you like it, you can always stay there longer than your first contract. The military also has lots of instructor opportunities if you find you like teaching adults (that's my preference!).
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Ross Christensen
Culinary Director
17
Answers
Eagan, Minnesota
Updated
Ross’s Answer
Join the military. It will help you pay for college and if you learn how to use the benefits you can be a millionaire before your 30. Imagine teaching school because you enjoy it, not just for the paycheck.
For example, While you are in the military, buy a house, live in it and fix it up in your spare time. If you get transferred, rent the house out and buy a new house, repeat. Do this any time you can and you will be wealthy living off of your real estate income and teaching with no worries.
For example, While you are in the military, buy a house, live in it and fix it up in your spare time. If you get transferred, rent the house out and buy a new house, repeat. Do this any time you can and you will be wealthy living off of your real estate income and teaching with no worries.
Kimberly Krebs
Corporate Security Manager
80
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Great question! If you are already considering the military, I would suggest starting there. The number one reason is that you can get the GI Bill and have college paid for by the military once you finish your enlistment. Starting your career off teaching with no debt is a great feeling.
The military can help you in whatever you decide to do and looks great on a resume. So even if you join the military and then decide to do something else, the military background will always help you. Best of luck.
The military can help you in whatever you decide to do and looks great on a resume. So even if you join the military and then decide to do something else, the military background will always help you. Best of luck.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
First and foremost, congratulations and it is truly impressive that you are that involved in high school! Secondly, either way you decide to go, thank you. Both careers are incredible and America is better because of young adults like yourself. I wish I had the foresight you have at your age.
I would love the opportunity to learn more about why you decided on these two paths. It seems like something or someone has opened your eyes to these paths. However, in case I never get the answer to that, I would you to ask yourself this question, why not do both?
In order to be a teacher you will need a college degree and it appears education is important to you. You can enlist in the military as a reservist. This means you are in the military part time. Once you have a degree, you can also become an Officer as a reservist. You are able to be in the military and be a teacher at the same time.
I have been in the Army Reserve for over 18 years. I joined right after I graduated high school. However, kind of like you, I wanted another career. I was very confused on what I wanted, I decided on both. I wanted to go into banking and I wanted to be in the Army.
I graduated high school in May, went to Basic Training in June. I finished basic in November, took about 6 weeks off to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas and then I started college in January. The best part, the Army paid for my college degree.
This path does not work for everyone. It was a very unique path. However, reading your question I remembered having the same one. One good life lesson, when you have to choose between two things, try to take both. I did and it was the second best decision of my life. The first was marrying my best friend. Good luck.
I would love the opportunity to learn more about why you decided on these two paths. It seems like something or someone has opened your eyes to these paths. However, in case I never get the answer to that, I would you to ask yourself this question, why not do both?
In order to be a teacher you will need a college degree and it appears education is important to you. You can enlist in the military as a reservist. This means you are in the military part time. Once you have a degree, you can also become an Officer as a reservist. You are able to be in the military and be a teacher at the same time.
I have been in the Army Reserve for over 18 years. I joined right after I graduated high school. However, kind of like you, I wanted another career. I was very confused on what I wanted, I decided on both. I wanted to go into banking and I wanted to be in the Army.
I graduated high school in May, went to Basic Training in June. I finished basic in November, took about 6 weeks off to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas and then I started college in January. The best part, the Army paid for my college degree.
This path does not work for everyone. It was a very unique path. However, reading your question I remembered having the same one. One good life lesson, when you have to choose between two things, try to take both. I did and it was the second best decision of my life. The first was marrying my best friend. Good luck.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
616
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Leah,
Choosing Your Path: Teacher or Military?
That's a big decision! Both paths offer unique rewards and challenges. Let's break down some potential factors to help you decide:
What Interests You?
Teaching: Do you enjoy working with children? Are you passionate about shaping young minds? Do you find fulfillment in helping others learn and grow?
Military: Do you thrive in structured environments? Are you drawn to leadership roles? Do you value teamwork and service to your country?
Your Skills and Values
Teaching: Are you patient, empathetic, and good at communicating? Do you enjoy problem-solving and adapting to different learning styles?
Military: Do you possess physical fitness, discipline, and a strong sense of duty? Are you able to follow orders and work well under pressure?
Career Goals and Lifestyle
Teaching: Consider the work-life balance, job security, and potential for advancement in the education field.
Military: Think about the travel opportunities, benefits, and potential career paths within the military.
Exploring Your Options
Shadowing: If possible, shadow a teacher or a military professional to gain firsthand experience.
Research: Learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, educational requirements, and career paths for both options.
Talk to Mentors: Discuss your options with teachers, military personnel, or guidance counselors who can offer valuable insights.
Potential Hybrid Paths
Teach in a Military School: Combine your passion for teaching with your interest in the military.
Utilize Military Skills in Education: Transfer leadership and teamwork skills to the classroom.
Remember, there's no right or wrong answer. The best path is the one that aligns with your personal values, goals, and interests. Take your time, explore your options, and trust your gut.
Best wishes!
Choosing Your Path: Teacher or Military?
That's a big decision! Both paths offer unique rewards and challenges. Let's break down some potential factors to help you decide:
What Interests You?
Teaching: Do you enjoy working with children? Are you passionate about shaping young minds? Do you find fulfillment in helping others learn and grow?
Military: Do you thrive in structured environments? Are you drawn to leadership roles? Do you value teamwork and service to your country?
Your Skills and Values
Teaching: Are you patient, empathetic, and good at communicating? Do you enjoy problem-solving and adapting to different learning styles?
Military: Do you possess physical fitness, discipline, and a strong sense of duty? Are you able to follow orders and work well under pressure?
Career Goals and Lifestyle
Teaching: Consider the work-life balance, job security, and potential for advancement in the education field.
Military: Think about the travel opportunities, benefits, and potential career paths within the military.
Exploring Your Options
Shadowing: If possible, shadow a teacher or a military professional to gain firsthand experience.
Research: Learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, educational requirements, and career paths for both options.
Talk to Mentors: Discuss your options with teachers, military personnel, or guidance counselors who can offer valuable insights.
Potential Hybrid Paths
Teach in a Military School: Combine your passion for teaching with your interest in the military.
Utilize Military Skills in Education: Transfer leadership and teamwork skills to the classroom.
Remember, there's no right or wrong answer. The best path is the one that aligns with your personal values, goals, and interests. Take your time, explore your options, and trust your gut.
Best wishes!
Chinyere, thank you!
Leah
Great responses, Chinyere!
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP
Glad I could help!
Chinyere Okafor
John Medeiros MS EHS
Environmental Health and Safety Manager (Seeking Next Great Opportunity)
65
Answers
Lakeville, Massachusetts
Updated
John’s Answer
I know you believe you are choosing between two "Jobs." The military is not a job per se. The military takes an individual away from everything they know. Then, the military educates them in a new way of life, physical fitness, teamwork, cooperation, and completing missions before they are sent for additional training in a specialty job. The job you get is between you and the branch of service you choose. You will spend several years performing that job, wherever you are needed with people who, just like you, chose to be there. You will see that the military is a microcosm of society—every kind of person you find in the civilian world you will find in the military.
After a few years of service, your enlistment will be over, and you can choose to leave or reenlist. Many do get out and use the benefits they have earned to get an education and begin completely different careers. Through the GI Bill, they accomplish their education and move on with life without the debt of student loans. Yes, they are a few years older and wiser, but you leave with many skills employers seek.
Suppose you wish to become a teacher. From my understanding, you are choosing to go to college, get a four-year degree, and, depending on your state, get additional certificates. In many states, they require continuing education and/or a master's degree. There will be student loans and hours of training needed.
I suggest that you sit down with some of your teachers and a recruiter from a branch of your choosing before you decide on either career. My advice is to do your research. Both paths have benefits and life-changing choices, which you will have to stick with. Please remember that making our own choices in life is really the only freedom we have.
Best of luck.
." The military is not a job per se. The military takes an individual away from everything they know, educates them on a new way of life, physical fitness, teamwork, cooperation, and completing missions before they send them for additional training in
After a few years of service, your enlistment will be over, and you can choose to leave or reenlist. Many do get out and use the benefits they have earned to get an education and begin completely different careers. Through the GI Bill, they accomplish their education and move on with life without the debt of student loans. Yes, they are a few years older and wiser, but you leave with many skills employers seek.
Suppose you wish to become a teacher. From my understanding, you are choosing to go to college, get a four-year degree, and, depending on your state, get additional certificates. In many states, they require continuing education and/or a master's degree. There will be student loans and hours of training needed.
I suggest that you sit down with some of your teachers and a recruiter from a branch of your choosing before you decide on either career. My advice is to do your research. Both paths have benefits and life-changing choices, which you will have to stick with. Please remember that making our own choices in life is really the only freedom we have.
Best of luck.
John recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Leah
Hazel Sherrod
currently retired from Local Municipality
2
Answers
Hutto, Texas
Updated
Hazel’s Answer
Hello there! I highly suggest considering a career in the military. With your JROTC experience, you're already one step ahead. This could lead to a higher rank and increased pay from the get-go. The Air Force is a great place to start as it's often considered less challenging than other branches. After that, the Navy is a solid choice.
I've got some personal experience in this area. I served in the Army during my high school ROTC days. One of my brothers is currently an Army officer, and my husband, another brother, and my son are all part of the Air Force family. My daughter and another brother serve in the Navy.
Serving in the military is more than just a job. It's a learning experience that instills discipline, fosters self-respect, and promotes teamwork. Plus, you're earning money while doing it! You'll have medical coverage and a secure place to live. You can start with a short-term commitment and if you find it suits you, you can extend your contract when it's up for renewal.
I also strongly advise you to make the most of the educational opportunities the military offers. The government will cover your tuition, and you might even get to travel. Wishing you the best in your journey!
Warm regards,
Hazel
Practice taking the ASVAB online - it's free so you can see where your strengths an skills are
When you are ready to take the test, contact an Air Force recruiter.
I've got some personal experience in this area. I served in the Army during my high school ROTC days. One of my brothers is currently an Army officer, and my husband, another brother, and my son are all part of the Air Force family. My daughter and another brother serve in the Navy.
Serving in the military is more than just a job. It's a learning experience that instills discipline, fosters self-respect, and promotes teamwork. Plus, you're earning money while doing it! You'll have medical coverage and a secure place to live. You can start with a short-term commitment and if you find it suits you, you can extend your contract when it's up for renewal.
I also strongly advise you to make the most of the educational opportunities the military offers. The government will cover your tuition, and you might even get to travel. Wishing you the best in your journey!
Warm regards,
Hazel
Hazel recommends the following next steps:
Robert Peters
Customer Service Support Driver
28
Answers
Kissimmee, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Leah. Glad to hear you are looking toward the future at a early age. I guess it would depend on when you enter your senior year which is the time that you would be looking at college or the military like I did. Main thing is that you would test for the military and see what your grade is to give a idea if the career choice you are looking at is available.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Leah
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP
8
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Definitely do. some job shadowing. Maybe a military recruiter can connect you with someone in the military, with whom you could do an informational interview . Ask the teacher and the military specialist what they do NOT like in their current position; every job has some less pleasant parts. Imagine yourself doing that job for 5 years, Would you be happy with it?
Look up books in the public library about being a _____.
Katie recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Leah
Jose Guevara
Fixed-Wing Pilot
11
Answers
Yuma, Arizona
Updated
Jose’s Answer
What do you want to do in the military?
Most likely I would be joining the Navy if not than the air force.
Leah
Do you want to be a pilot?
Jose Guevara
Yes most likely.
Leah
I'd go with that, 100%. If you want to teach you can be an instructor. More money when you get out. You'll be in zero debt. And you can still get a teaching degree in college before you join.
Jose Guevara