Amanda McGhee

My passion lies at the heart of who I am and what I believe my purpose is in life. It is something that has
grown in me over time, and yet has been a part of me my entire life. It ultimately comprises multiple parts
that surround a greater whole: love. Physical, emotional, and spiritual health are three important aspects
of the greater whole that are also components of the six dimensions of health. These are health topics that
I feel are particularly important to improve upon in younger populations. The youth (16-22 years old) are
at a pivotal time in their lives where they can be influenced and may find themselves traveling down the
wrong path. While childhood is a critical stage for character development, this process continues
throughout early adulthood and beyond.

Over time and not long ago, I came to realize the struggles that I once faced are now their struggles.
Struggles such as the desire to fit in with peers, which comprises multiple facets in and of itself. I want to
help them through this important part of their journey. The realization for me began as I transitioned from
the fleet Marine Force to where I am today, at the Jacksonville University NROTC and the University of
North Florida (UNF). Surrounded by young people and witness to the difficulties of finding true health by
the incorporation of physical, mental and spiritual fitness. It is apparent that many people look to find
balance by neglecting one of these very important aspects of health. This is where I believe I can make a
positive impact by sharing personal experiences as well as the knowledge I have gained through my
education.

As I consider this special group of young individuals and the masks they are oftentimes forced to wear,
maybe unrecognizable even to themselves, I wonder how I can reach each one on their own personal
level. People are different in a variety of ways. Not just by things such as ethnicity or sex, but on a deeper
more intimate scale. The place that can often times only be seen through personal conversation,
interaction, and oftentimes time itself.

My Dad has always found a way to reach me and oftentimes it seems as if he knows me better than I
know myself. Years back he gave me a gift. It was a beautiful purple Geode, which is a rock structure that
has a durable outer wall and the inner portion lined with quartz crystals. He told me I was just like this
rock. Hard on the outside, but soft and beautiful on the inside. Years later I still have my rock and the idea
of a hard exterior and soft interior still speaks to me on many levels. I understand many of our youth can
also be a hard shell to crack. Finding themselves trying to figure out who they are and what their purpose
is in life. Some of whom sadly feel they have no purpose, because of a lack of hope and understanding.
That is something I would like to change for the good.

Over the next several years my journey will continue forward in the Marine Corps. No longer as an
enlisted Marine, but as an Officer. Among Marines it is well known that Officers, although highly
regarded, are not in service for themselves, but to their enlisted Marines. Through this experience I hope
to give back to my troops all of what I know in terms of spiritual fervor, physical sharpness and emotional
steadfastness. In turn bringing back good citizens to serve our country and the world at large, as positive
role models to the next generation to come and instilling in them these same principles.