Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Are you motivated?

We've all seen it, someone does something very difficult, but makes it look very easy. We call it grace, athletic prowess, a gift. We know , indeed, that person must have practiced like crazy for it to look that good. And secretly (and openly amongst friends) we wish we could do that.

Here's a video of such greatness. This was taken at the Teacher Boot Camp I told you about. The guy talking was my group's "DI".

Poor guy, he tried to get us into formation, but I'm afraid we weren't very good at it. He taught us how to line up and get ready. He said at boot camp the drill instructors always gave a verbal cue that something was about to happen, no matter what. He said it was to get the recruit's mind ready for the next action. That struck a chord with me. Teachers do that too- we raise our hand right before we start, stand in a certain place, have a buzz phrase- mine is, "Ladies and Gentlemen, let us begin."
He was really funny, too. He cut himself shaving one morning but said it didn't bother him because he realized he didn't need his lip to fire his weapon. Heh. But he said some really good stuff, too. Fundamentals that I needed to hear again: KISS, secure attention before proceeding, create a routine and stick to it.

Anyway, the DI would explain what was required for each section and then another guy, a Major, would complete that part. Two things to note: one, there was a big puddle of water so a lot of people who didn't want to get their shoes wet wouldn't try it, and two, that shit is HARD! I tried a few of the parts and looked like a total dweeb. Of course, I'm known for my mental abilities (most useless facts held in one head in the whole neighborhood), not physical. The Major, also a cool guy, would then move through that part of it. My favorite part of the video is in the beginning, as you'll see.

It's funny to watch this again and listen to what we were saying. The Major told me he thought he looked clumsy in this. But I didn't see it. He said he could run the whole course three times in a row, no problem. I'd buy him several beers if I could see that.

And that wall he jumped over? It was 6 or 7 feet tall, but he just went right over- ploop! I ask you- aren't you glad that guy is on our side? He's the drill instructor instructor and just so damn cool I want him to come to my school and head up our junior ROTC program! I can't tell you his name so we can't start a letter writing campaign yet, but I'll keep you posted. He still has several years left to serve and chances of him coming to my school are two-slim and none- but a girl can hope.

This was the best day of the three. We also got to go to the confidence course, which I'll tell you about later.
Enjoy the video, folks, and be very thankful for our military...

I could go on and on about how great all the people there were, how they sacrifice time with their own families so that they can train men and women to become Marines, how motivated and positive they were, how they treated the teachers that were there as if we we so special. I'm sure you'll hear more about later....

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

... ha!.... excellent video!..... and hey, they don't call it the "confidence" course for nothing!...

Eric

Holder said...

The part where they climb up the back of the leaning ladder whose rungs were two feet apart AND they couldn't use their feet.... sheesh! It was very impressive...