Guest writer

After the Marines

Military only one way to serve

During Memorial Day, our nation takes time out to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice by serving in the United States military.

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I cannot help but think of the brave people I've met and served with during my years in the Marines. People like my brothers, who now both suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

My six years as a Marine were some of the most pivotal years of my life and I would not trade them for anything. I had the opportunity to meet incredible people and be part of a true community of like-minded Americans. I laughed with them, griped with them, cried with them, bonded and more importantly learned from them. They had my back and we were there for each other. I grew as an individual during that time.

When an injury required me to leave, I wondered if I would ever be part of a community like that again--one made up of dedicated individuals working diligently toward a common cause.

My parents instilled in my brothers and me a deep commitment to leadership and service, so when my time in the military was complete, I sought out other ways to make an impact. This led to my current role as a corps member with Teach For America, an AmeriCorps program, that recruits and trains diverse leaders to teach in high-needs schools throughout the country and make a lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunity for students growing up in poverty. In my case, this meant moving from Los Angeles to Stuttgart, Arkansas, to teach junior high school math.

In some ways, it was like enlisting again and I wondered how my family would feel. My parents emigrated from Mexico and worked hard to obtain their U.S. citizenship. Our family does not take the rights and responsibilities of being an American for granted.

As a result, they supported me the whole way through my decision to enlist in the Marines and later to work with students in an underserved community. They understood why helping others find a pathway to a better life is important to me.

It was about a year ago when I received my "marching orders": I would be teaching seventh- and eighth-grade math at Stuttgart Junior High School.

Moving from a big city like Los Angeles to rural Arkansas was an adjustment at first. It's a different culture from L.A. to Arkansas--different interests, different way of life. At first, I was apprehensive--wondering if I would be accepted by my students and their parents. But the warmth and friendliness of the Arkansas community made me feel right at home. My kids are great--they are bright, funny, and full of life. I learn a lot from them.

Being part of the education force has been a wonderful next chapter to military service. I've learned there is always more to give. Teach For America is another path toward service-based leadership and one that is also tremendously rewarding. Learning about other people and backgrounds, you grow as a person.

On Memorial Day, many people will enjoy the unofficial start to summertime fun with family and friends. Here in my new adopted community, I plan to do that as well. But I will also be thinking of those who sacrificed, those we lost, and how I can continue their legacy.

My hope is that all Americans use the day as a chance to reflect on those in uniform, their contributions, and to consider the different ways we can all serve our country.

------------v------------

Jimmy Castillejo is a first-year corps member with Teach For America. He teaches seventh- and eighth-grade math at Stuttgart Junior High School. Jimmy is also a veteran in the United States Marine Corps.

Editorial on 05/28/2016

Upcoming Events