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| I made this collage from pictures I found while Googling "the most American thing ever" |
I'm just like, what? Why are you thanking me? I didn't find the cure for cancer, I just voluntarily enlisted in the military.... because I needed a way to pay for college. Also, I wanted to be the awesome of America. Free speech! Bald eagles! Guns! Gay marriage! Good 'ole Amuricah! (okay, so maybe we don't have the gay marriage thing yet...)
I usually just smile awkwardly and say, "Oh, no biggie..." and then duck my head and quickly exit the vicinity.
Another thing that happens: people congratulate me. I mean, guys. Back when I was still going to college and people would ask me what I was doing, the most I would get was an "Oh, that's nice. I bet you're excited."
Now that I'm doing the Air Force I get a "WOW! Congratulations, that's so awesome!"
Maybe it's because I live in Texas?
Maybe it's because it's adults, instead of my peers that are responding?
Maybe it's because I've underestimated how important my decision was?
I don't know. The reactions continue to catch me off-guard. At least I have a tiny shred of social grace to respond with a cordial response in a timely manner.
Now if only the people I used to go to school with would stop freaking out...
I don't know you personally and I'm freaking out about it a bit. I know America really loves their armed forces so really this is something you're going to have to get used to. It's not bad I suppose, but I do think there should be something else glorified.
ReplyDeletePrior to enlisting I was never one to glorify the armed forces (although I did respect them a lot), but I honestly didn't realize what a big deal it was until I joined.
DeleteAlso, don't freak out! I'm still the same bookish, spazzy girl. I'm just working for the military now.
Yikes! I think I've thanked you and congragulated you. :/
ReplyDeleteI realize now how sort of a strange position that puts you in. I believe I also stated why you personally doing it meant something to me, so maybe that's not as bad? But in any case, I'm sorry!
No, no, no! Don't apologize! I'm just really awkward at dealing with social situations IRL :P
DeleteIt seems strange to me that people thank you for joining the military. I guess that's an American thing. I mean, in Canada, it's just viewed as another career path or occupation. It isn't quite glorified to the same extent.
ReplyDeleteYou know how Americans can be sometimes... Haha, I kind of wish we were more chill about it like Canada.
DeleteWell at least you have something figured out. I still have barely idea what to do once I get my degree. ._.
ReplyDeleteWell, my reaction would be "WOW! That's awesome!" because I'm a big wuss, and would be too much of a 'fraidy cat to join the Air Force. Perhaps that's why people are impressed.
ReplyDeleteSeems a bit odd, but I suppose if you got a job people would congratulate you for that :S x
ReplyDeleteI think it's because you've made a brave decision to defend your country through signing up for the Air force, who cares if it was just so you could pay to go to college?
ReplyDeleteI dunno, I guess there's just something about the military that stirs up people's political feelings.
ReplyDelete