Elementary School Teacher Serves Country and Corps
by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jorge A. Rosales October
16, 2019
Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that one in five teachers
have secondary occupations. For one Charlotte, North Carolina
native, her profession outside of school hours isn’t just another
job, it’s a commitment to serve and protect.
Amanda Sanders,
who grew up in a military family, said she had always aspired to
become a teacher. Her dreams were met after graduating from UNC
Charlotte, and earning a position at Winding Springs Elementary as a
first grade teacher. Although she had finally achieved her lifelong
goal, something was still burning inside her.
 August 10, 2019 - Paul
Sanders, a retired Navy petty officer 1st class, pins his
daughter Amanda Sanders during her commissioning ceremony at
Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Amanda Sanders is a
school teacher at Winding Springs Elementary, Charlotte,
North Carolina, and plans on joining the Marine Corps
Reserves so she may continue teaching while serving her
country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge A. Rosales)
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“I had always wanted to be a school teacher,” said Sanders. “It
was what I wanted to do, I was going to do it, I did it, and I love
it. But God had been stirring in my heart with this idea of joining
the Marines, so I checked it out, and it was like I was made for
it.”
With the help of her local Marine Corps Officer
Selection Team, Sanders chose to pursue the officer path, and set
off on her next journey.
“I wanted to join the best of the best,” said Sanders. “If
I’m going to do it, I am going to do it all the way.”
In
June, Sanders attended Officer Candidates School, a 10-week training
course at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. OCS is designed to
screen and evaluate potential Marine Corps Officers. Officer
candidates must meet difficult physical, mental and leadership
standards to graduate. Afterwards, Sanders will continue her
training and join the Marine Corps Reserves.
“The reserves
just gave me a little bit more control, and I am able to teach and
serve,” said Sanders, who graduated OCS Aug. 10 and was commissioned
as a second lieutenant the same day.
Paul Sanders, her
father, served in the Navy for 20 years and retired as a petty
officer first class. Paul attended her pinning ceremony and
presented his daughter with her first salute. The act of the first
salute is a tradition designated for an enlisted service member who
has had the most impact on the commissioning officer’s life.
“I am very proud of Amanda,” said Sander’s father. “I think what
she accomplished is amazing and I know she has a bright future ahead
of her.”
Now, 2nd Lt. Sanders is scheduled to attend The
Basic School, a 28-week course that teaches new officers the basics
of being an officer in the Marine Corps, at MCB Quantico. Soon
after, Sanders will receive initial training in her military
occupation and obtain orders to her first unit.
“I feel an
overwhelming sense of pride to be a U.S. Marine Corps Officer,” said
Sanders. “I’m so thankful for the investment that people put in me,
including my family, my platoon staff and God.”
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