Godwin grad thrives 2600 miles away from home

Every year thousands of college graduates find themselves buried in debt. College tuition has steadily increased each year causing it to be harder to attend and pay for the expected full four years.

This tuition inflation has resulted in an increasing amount of graduates seeking alternative paths such as taking gap years, attending community college, applying for full time jobs, and enlisting in the military as opposed to taking the traditional four year path. 

Class of 2020, Godwin Alumnus, Spencer Fenley, decided to enlist in the Navy right after highschool. “I went into the Navy because I couldn’t see myself going into college right after highschool,” said Fenley.

 Many military members use this as a stepping stone for themselves. The military is an alternative path for those who are unsure of what they want for their future, as it gives them time to figure out where they truly want to be.  

“It offers financial stability, healthcare, a chance to see the world, and various resources that many people usually wouldn’t have access to,” said Fenley. 

Godwin counselor Maryse Eubank said, “serving in the military can also have many other benefits such as earning experience and accessing training.”

Prior to enlisting in the military, applicants have to take an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) which is a test that determines one’s strengths and what jobs they qualify for. After finishing that, they will be physically screened to make sure there are no health concerns that might disqualify someone from their specific job.

Following this, applicants will sign many contracts, and later go to boot camp to learn the basics of being in the military, but also get trained for their specific job.

Fenley is a nuclear mechanic in the Navy, which is where he operates and maintains the propulsion and electricity systems on the carrier. “We usually are the first ones on the boat and last ones off to make sure everything is moving smoothly,” said Fenley. 

The military has provided many military members, Fenley himself, with a new perspective. He is able to look back on all the hard times with a smile on his face because of the great lessons and perspective it has given him on life. Enlisting in the military has taught many how to be independent straight out of high school. 

Fenley has decided not to reenlist because what he does now isn’t what he wants to do in life. He wants to eventually be able to go back to school and learn about things he’s interested in. The stability of the Navy has helped him achieve this, helped him through tough times, and has taught him abilities that he would never know such as mechanical skills if he didn’t go into the Navy.