10 questions with…future Navy sailor Mackenzie Murphy

Mackenzie Murphy is a senior at Woodhaven High School who has been recruited to join the United States Navy. Murphy played softball for many years, but had to omit from playing her senior softball season to prevent any injury before joining the Navy. Besides athletics, she has excelled in the classroom throughout her high school career and has taken various AP classes. Murphy will leave for boot camp in July of this summer, in which she will train to become a Navy sailor. 

Tell me about your future experience in the U.S. Navy. What does being a part of the U.S. Navy entail?

In the Navy I will start as an E1, which is the lowest rank. But from there, the program offers ways to increase your rank which in turn increases your pay. I will be in the field labeled CTR, which is a cryptologic technician. This is a high level security job, so I can’t share much pertaining to exactly what I’ll be doing. But what I can share is that I will be working with coding and processing land and airborne radar signals. 

How did you determine your acceptance into the Navy? What factors influenced your decision to join?

When I began my senior year, I had every intention of being like the majority of my grade and studying at a university. But, what I couldn’t decide was what I wanted to do with my life. I’d dabbled in teaching, and I am astounded by psychology. But, when making this choice I couldn’t justify spending so much money and not know exactly what I wanted. I confided in my parents to discuss my options and they geared me in the military direction. At first, I was completely thrown off and detested their idea until I did my research. I found out the great benefits, places I would see, and experiences I would get to pursue. I am nervous, but moreover excited with my decision. 

Are there any specific roles or positions you hope to have within the Navy?

I hope to become an officer. I think that I would make a great leader and work endlessly to protect my fellow sailors, and most importantly, our country. 

What opportunities and advantages does being a part of the military present? What are you most excited about when it comes to serving?

I will get to travel, which is what I am most excited about. I want to see the world, and being able to do it, while serving my country is more than I could’ve ever asked for. Additionally, one of the goals I have set for myself is to get a college degree. If everything goes accordingly, I will be a first generation college student and it is important to me that I accomplish this goal. The Navy will pay for my college which is even better. Overall, the navy offers great opportunities and I can not express my gratitude for the chance to do it.

As a soon-to-graduate senior, what are you giving up with your commitment to the Navy? Are there any disadvantages of not having the “college experience”?

As someone who loves to indulge in times with her friends, and experiencing FOMO to the fullest, there is a piece of me that longs for the college experience. But I wouldn’t conjure up my decision as “missing out” on those things. I will be experiencing something much different, and in my eyes far more exciting. There is a large misconception of what the military encompasses, it is far from a “prison” setting. So, I will still get to enjoy time with the friends I will make along the way, as will my fellow classmates pursuing the academic post-secondary education route. 

What does serving in the military mean to you?

My great-grandfather was in the Navy, and I am bound to serve as he did. He details me about his deployments and it has inspired me to take on every opportunity that is handed to me. He gifted me a book that he received while in the Navy and it has given me all the more reason to have pride in how far our country has come from where it once was in the 1950’s. I am overwhelmed with pride and appreciative that I have the opportunity to give back to those who have lost their lives to protect freedom and democracy around the world. I will strive to do so with honor, courage, and commitment. 

How do you plan to stay connected with friends and family while serving?

I absolutely intend to stay in touch with my friends and family back home. In boot camp we are allowed to send and receive letters, so during that time I will mainly utilize those to keep my connections. We are allotted three 15-minute phone calls which I’m grateful for, but will definitely be a challenge for me as I am someone who confides in her friends and family extensively. I have begun to write letters to those in my life who will go through experiences that I will not be able to be here for, but I want them to know that I am always thinking of them and supporting them no matter the distance. 

What are your career and personal goals for the future, including post-military? 

As of now, I have a four year contract with my CTR career, and once that is up, I am given the choice to renew my contract or go four years reserved. Meaning I will be home, but if they need my service, I will go back to aid them. I am unsure of what I want to do in that regard, but I am hoping to spend as much time there as I can so that I can receive a pension. Either way, I intend to go to college after my time in the service as I’ve previously mentioned. 

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Both my mom and dad are my biggest inspirations in life. Not only have they painted themselves as role models, but they’ve also established my drive, perseverance, and willingness to help others. Without them, I would not be the young woman I am today, nor have the strength to take on new challenges like joining the Navy. 

What type of change do you expect to see in yourself after spending time in the service?

I hope to see myself learn to be more disciplined. I want to have a regime and grow out of my procrastination habits. Most of all, I want to find my passion in life. If nothing else, I want to figure out what it is I want to amount to. Rather I do 20 years in the navy, or do 4 years and return home to pursue college. Whatever it is, I am proud of my choice and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.