A girl was born on a November day. Hit all her milestones from walking talking to Homecoming Queen. High school was fun, she took the ASVAB test and pulling in, in the highest enlisted fashion, scored a 118. Putting those scores in her back pocket, she had a ticket. Hmm she thinks it's time to go see her favorite Aunt in Texas. Now she was no ordinary Aunt. She got me outta jail, took me to Bell South to let me test, which of course she aced. Got me a job, a car and an apartment.

So the young woman beings to feel things out. Works for ole ma bell for a year, then decides to turn sites a new. Yes, Yes have to do a stint at Jack in the Box, and of course, on to the Marine Corps.

Parris Island:

That's called a head. From now on you will refer to the restroom as a head. OMG I'll never forget it. I was confused for like four of the eight weeks I was there. It was a time for dedication, motivation, learning and re-learning, trial and error. And the enemy of us all "COMPARING".

Compare - Definition -

2 a : to examine the character or qualities of especially in order to discover resemblances or differences <compare your responses with the answers> b : to view in relation to <tall compared to me> <easy compared with the last test>

In boot camp, you have to compare as the definition says especially in order to discover (in Marine Corps terms) strengths and weaknesses. To roto-root out the bad qualities and replace them with good ones. To compare, to makes sure everyone is uniform. And every uniform is squared away. To bring to the grinder 60 plus women who all basically think the same.

But, to go through your Marine Corps experience, comparing yourself to others, is a no-no. First, thing my first OIC taught me was not to compare myself with others. Not to infringe on the rights of others, and shame on me the first time, shame on you the second.

Does everyone feel they are the only one complying with the above paragraph. Do we all feel alone in that?