Molly Marine Awardee Essay
Essay by PFC Brooke L. Jalbert
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BROOKE L. JALBERT
PLATOON 4028
I was born and raised in Kansas City. My parents raised me and older sister to be confident and independent. We were given the freedom to make our own life decisions. Growing up, my sister was and still is my best friend. She is the most hard working, dedicated person I know. Myself, on the other hand, struggled in school and didn’t have the same drive as her. She set such a great example for me to try and emulate but I kept falling short. I tried to follow in her footsteps and attend college. That didn’t go so well. I wasn’t satisfied or fulfilled with my life. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Something that will show me how to succeed and become a better human being. One day, it just clicked. I decided that I wanted to become a United States Marine.
I’ve always been a positive person. I am a firm believer that the energy you put into the world will be the energy you receive in return. If you help others, others will help you in return. I feel like that is something I could receive in the Marine Corps. I have always heard about the brother and sisterhood the Marines have prided themselves on and I wanted to be a part of that.
The Marines from my platoon have become my family. If one of my sisters needed me, I have and will always be there. If something needed to be done, I always wanted to do it. I wanted everyone to know that I had their back the way I trusted them to have mine and they did. From the very first day of recruit training until the last, I consistently pushed myself and others. I didn’t set out to be the ]”motivator,” I really just wanted to put forth my best efforts and have my platoon do the same. When I was starting to lose faith in my abilities, my Drill Instructors were there to remind me that nothing is gained in the comfort zone. To be great, you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Everyone has a different experience and a different mindset in regards to Recruit Training. For some, staying motivated came easier than others. Waking up at 0400 every day and consistently being on the move can make you feel as if nothing is ever accomplished. Consistently being corrected and feeling like everything you do is wrong makes you feel like a faiture. Being away from home and family for the first time takes a toll on you. It was a challenge every single day. 1 had the mentality that it was going to be hard but a negative attitude would just make it more difficult. I chose to remain positive and see the good in every day. I was cared for, and at first I didn’t realize it. I didn’t understand why I was being spoken to in such a harsh manner. As training continued, I realized what heavy burden was placed on my Drill Instructors to care for so many of us. Their efforts, made me work harder.
I asked my fellow sisters why they chose me to be the Molly Marine. They said it was because I was willing to do everything and never complained, I was a team player and motivated them to sound off and run. Hearing all these great things about myself left me in awe. At times when they were feeling down and negative, they felt my positive energy and made them feel better. I thought nothing would compare to receiving my Eagle, Globe and Anchor but those kind words from my sisters was so humbling and soul fulfilling. I am honored to be chosen as Molly Marine for Platoon 4028 and will forever be grateful for my sisters, my Drill Instructors and my time spent here on Parris Island.
The Molly Marine Award is presented by the Woman Marines Association to one female graduate at the end of recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Award recipients are selected by members of each graduating platoon as individuals who best exemplify the Espirit de Corps and ideal of excellence which is the hallmark of all Marines.
Learn more about the Women Marines Association at wmastg.wpengine.com