At Shadow Ridge High School, the Corner becomes an amazing place of excitement almost every month as representatives from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and National Guard come to campus to share what their branches have to offer. These regular military visits give students a chance to explore future career paths, learn about different roles in the armed forces, and discover that the military is a real, achievable option after high school. None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of their counselor, Mrs. Murray, who organizes each visit and makes sure students have access to valuable information.
Each branch sets up a presentation filled with helpful information, sometimes bringing gear, and sometimes even showing videos from what their job looks like. Students can sign up online to see these presentations and be pulled out of class. During these presentations they can ask questions about training, travel opportunities, job specialties, and daily life in the service. These monthly visits help students get comfortable talking with recruiters and learning about each branch at their own pace.
As one junior, Simon Higgins explained, “It’s cool that they come so often because I feel like I learn something new every time.”
The branches highlight the wide range of careers available in the military far beyond what many students expect. The Air Force talks about engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, and mechanics. The Navy describes jobs involving navigation, nuclear technology, and ship operations. Meanwhile, the Army covers medical careers, infantry roles, intelligence, and leadership positions. Because the visits happen regularly, students get multiple chances to ask deeper questions and explore different interests.
As sophomore Ammie Heart mentioned, “I used to think the military was only about combat, but now I know there are hundreds of jobs. It actually made me feel more confident about considering it.”
In addition to career information, recruiters discuss the benefits that come with service, such as paid education, steady income, travel, housing assistance, and valuable job training.
Many students are particularly interested in the GI Bill, which helps pay for college after service. Learning about these opportunities month after month helps reinforce the idea that the military can be a strong foundation for the future.
As a senior Pete Cam said, “Hearing about the scholarships and training really made me think differently about my options after graduation.”
Overall, these frequent military visits play an important role at Shadow Ridge.
They expose students to real-world possibilities, help them plan their futures, and give them the chance to explore an alternative path outside of the traditional college route.
Thanks to Mrs. Murray and her commitment to help students thrive, students are reminded every month that the military is not just a career choice but an opportunity for growth, service, and success.
