Not the Army He Thought He Joined

As talks of war escalate, many high school students find the excitement of their senior year dampened. MARY REESE BOYKIN spoke with one student about her fears.

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MAGALY ESPINOZA 17, seniorInglewood High School

My senior year has already turned into something far from what I had imagined. I am the senior class president and the biggest thing I had on my mind at the beginning of the school year was fulfilling the senior class activities: the senior class trip, the prom and fun fund-raising throughout the year.

The terrorist attacks changed everything. The day of the attacks I felt shocked and tense and sad for those who were killed. I couldn’t concentrate on my schoolwork. Later, my thoughts turned to Michael, my 18-year-old boyfriend who is in the Army. I am worried that he will be sent to war.

Army recruiters visit our Inglewood High School campus regularly. When the recruiters told Michael how the Army would help pay for his college education, he signed up. He wanted a different experience from that of his brother and sister who had gone to a community college.

I worry about Michael daily. His sergeant has told him to be prepared to be called at any time.

Already, a few guys from his unit in Texas have been sent away, although Michael does not know where. He is afraid. He feels physically prepared since his unit goes out in the field to practice on obstacle courses. But mentally Michael does not know how he will handle it if he sees people dying. He wants to come home.

I feel scared along with him. I know that we are young, but we have plans for our future together. Michael is a big part of my life.

Every day, I talk to Michael because I feel that he needs me. I am moving along with my personal essay for UC admission and other college preparation, but I am not putting much effort into them.

My classmates are worried about the war, too. The boys fear being drafted; the girls fear that their boyfriend or brother will be drafted. At a recent senior class assembly, when the principal informed male students that they must sign up with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday, everyone listened intently. Though signing up is a responsibility even during times when there are no concerns about a war, a draft is still a worry. Many said if a draft occurs, they will fight willingly for America. Some say no minorities should feel any obligation to fight for this country, since we are not treated equally. One classmate, a U.S. legal resident who turns 18 next month, said that he will postpone his citizenship so that he won’t have to register with the Selective Service.

But my thoughts are with Michael. Before he left for the Army, he told me that if anything were to ever happen to him, he wants me to be happy. The words seemed sweet. When he repeated that sentiment last week, I cried. I can’t stop crying. I hope that if he must go to war, he will come home safely.

He has promised me that if he is deployed, he will do his best on his assignment and try his best to come home to me.