For today’s student-athlete, the uncertainty of COVID-19 keeps them on edge when it comes to staying in school and participating in sports. Very few of these students are contemplating what it will mean to one day be called a United States Marine. Rose Hill cheerleader Brianna Donaldson is one of those student-athletes with more on her mind than school and sports.

“I decided to join the Marine Corps because I felt like God was calling me to serve our country and on top of that being bullied for my weight, it pushed me to lose weight and helped me get to where I am today,” said Donaldson.

Her drive to become something more and the calling she felt to serve will eventually find Donaldson molded into one of our nation’s finest soldiers; a United States Marine.

Donaldson’s Marine Corps transformation will begin at MCRD Parris Island in South Carolina.

“The Marines are the right choice for me to challenge myself and overcome my weaknesses,” said Donaldson.

It will certainly be challenging once she enters basic training, but for someone like Donaldson who believes growth comes from challenging yourself, she should take to the training and come out a better person for it.

Once she graduates from basic training, Donaldson will begin her training to work Administration for the Marines. Donaldson is following in the footsteps of other family members who have served this nation.

“Both my grandpa’s were in the military, one was in the Marine Corps and the other was in the U.S. Navy and my dad was in the U.S. Army,” said Donaldson.

The future Marine offers this advice to other students considering military service.

“The advice I would give other people coming into the military is push past your weaknesses and no one can make you better only you can,” said Donaldson.

Photo by Lively Photography