Reaching Full Potential In College

My Winter 2010 semester will soon blossom into the Spring 2010 semester, a time of the year we often look forward to, filled with the warmness of sunny optimism. It is also a time of reflection, when we look back to see where we have been in order to see more clearly, the direction in which we are headed.

Now, as I look back on this past semester, I can already see it as a time of illumination in many ways.  What I know for sure is how humbled I was by the presence of the bright ,optimistic faces of our men in uniform, I had the privilege of getting to know, from my Expository Writing class with Laurie Quinn, Associate Dean of Granite State College and my Environmental Heritage class with Dan Gardoqui.

I never want to forget the humor each of these special men contributed to the synergy of each class and the ensuing gutteral laughter. I also don't want to forget their intelligent minds nor the significance of their knowledge base. There were many moments during the semester when something they interjected into a conversation reminded me of where each of them had been, why they were there, and how happy I felt in those moments, they were here, safely at home with us -- 
 
These five brave men are in pursuit of a college degree, attending adult evening classes and are striving to succeed at completing one degree program or another. I am so proud of their determination and their effort to advance through higher education; each in pursuit of his own full potential but I marvel at the comradery of brotherhood they share; a connection have also experienced first hand in my own military life, so many years ago. It is as if they not only acknowledge one another; they really know, where one has been, another may either have been also or is on his way-- and how can I, the onlooker, not be in awe of their raw patriotic courage and commitment to the safety and freedom our country has always known.

As I began to observe each of these students with the purpose of briefly introducing each of their personal military stories, I began to notice subtle differences that set each of these soldiers apart.

My next five (5) blogs will be dedicated to these five Granite State College Students, their college programs and life goals.  I hope you will join me as I continue on my journey to learn more about some of the men here, in the home of the brave, who either keep us safe now or once did. We are so lucky to have them.

Leslie Bowreing, YN3, U.S.N.