Ed Hickson ’11
Staff Writer

By junior and senior year, most students are considering or are preparing to go to college following graduation from high school.

However, there are sometimes one or two students who choose to reject the pressures of college acceptance by committing to the armed forces.

There are many reasons why a student may join the military, which range from national pride or the desire to travel and see more of the world.

For some students, the price of college is often too much, which is why they choose to join the military.

“Some students have the intention to attend college, but cannot afford to do so,” said  guidance counselor P.J. Washenko. Students “join a service, enlist for a designated about of time, then are able to access government benefits, like the G.I. bill.”

Joining the military can often give students a direction in life, and can potentially help them realize the values of life and how some things are completely taken for granted.

The military can also develop leadership and hone technical skills.

Sam Goodgame ’07 is one student who joined the military, and is currently enrolled at The United States Military Academy, West Point, in New York.

“I was looking for something different,” said Goodgame. “I had an older brother in the college process, and looking at West Point got me interested.”

Although joining the military has its benefits, it is not often a definite choice for most students.

Out of all the students in graduating classes per year, only one or two Staples students on average choose to join the military.

Nevertheless, there have been some students, such as Goodgame, who have chosen to start life after high school by joining the armed forces.

“I had been given things on a silver platter, so I thought that military service was a way to give back,” said Goodgame.

Spencer Cohen ’08 is another graduate who chose to join the armed forces following high school.

“I joined the Marines because I was highly motivated to serve my country in any way that I could,” said Cohen.

Joining the military is a big commitment, and upon entering a student is required to be enlisted for a certain amount of time.

The military “will hold you for between four and six years,” said Washenko. “Once you enlist, you cannot go back.”

Joining the armed forces is a huge commitment, and one must be prepared to serve in the armed forces for a set period of time before thinking about anything afterwards.

“It took me out of the college rat-race because I knew where I was going,” said Goodgame.

Washenko did admit that it can be concerning when a student says they want to join the military, but if it is something that a student feels strongly about, then guidance will give them their full support.