With graduation fast approaching, most students are busy planning for their college careers at local universities.
Two Oxford High School students, on the other hand, are planning for their career in the army.
Aleashia Capogna, 17, and Vance Richards, 18, both signed up to join the army last November for three and four years, respectively.
Both said they always knew they wanted to join.
‘My dad is in, my brother’s in, my grandpa used to be in the Navy,? Richards said. ‘I figured that would be the easiest way to pay for college.?
Richards received a $12,000 bonus and $67,000 for college after signing up to join and Capogna received $54,000 for college.
As a young girl Capogna said she remembers admiring all of the commercials for the military that were shown on TV.
‘I always wanted to be in the military, I just didn’t know what branch,? she said.
In a time during which many Americans are leery about sending soldiers off to war, Capogna said she’s not at all apprehensive about a career in the military.
‘My family keeps asking me if I’m scared or if I’m sure about it,? Capogna said. ‘But I’m not changing my mind.?
Richards said his family was ‘completely supportive? of him joining the army and is comfortable with a future of serving the country.
‘Whatever way it takes me I just want to put my years in and say that I did my part,? he said.
Once the OHS seniors graduate next month, they will start their nine weeks of basic training’Capogna at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Richards at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Richards is planning on being in the airborne infantry and will learn how to jump out of planes and advanced infantry training, among other things.
After basic training, Capogna will also learn advanced infantry training at Fort Lee, Virginia, but plans on becoming a unit supply specialist, which supplies troops with guns, ammunition and other items.
She plans on learning more about computers while in the army.
Both students agreed that by joining the military they’ll become more responsible, more unique and more mature.
‘I know we’ll definitely be different when we get out,? Capogna said. ‘It’ll teach us a lot.?