For Connor Speiser, the future isn’t a distant horizon, but rather a ship setting sail. After graduation, he plans to join the Navy and will attend basic training this summer. This path is a way to challenge himself, develop self-discipline and be part of something much greater than himself.
Spesier’s mind had been set on the Navy ever since he was seven years old.
“My grandpa was in the Navy for four years where building planes and helicopters,” Speiser said. “When I heard about what he did and how different the environment and people were compared to what I had already heard about life ventures people had taken. Then that spiraled into my research. Another inspiration was Mr. Keeble because he gave me the courage to convince my parents to let me join.”
Once you’re in the Navy, there are many different career paths to pursue. Opportunities exist across fields like business and medicine, but certain fields particularly caught Speiser's attention.
“I chose the Navy because I wanted to be in a submarine under the water or on a massive ship,” Speiser said. “ I am looking to be either a physician, submarine technician or nuclear submarine technician. I’m really excited to be in a submarine and learn how to maintain one.”
As Speiser prepares for this next phase of his life, he has taken some time to reflect on how his years at Brewer will aid him moving forward. While at BHS, he was in numerous programs like band, welding, engineering, choir, and medicine.
“The applied science classes like physics, pathophysiology, anatomy, and chemistry have prepared me the most,” Speiser said. “Just being here in a public school has also taught me self-control and how to grit my teeth.”
In the process of joining a branch of the military, there is no other resource more important than a recruiter.
“My recruiter was able to explain to me what I needed to do to join,” Speiser said. ”Once you are sure you want to be in a branch, make sure you go to a recruiter.”
For anyone looking to seek out a path like Speiser’s, he has left words of advice on the best way to be prepared.
“Run a lot, most people just work out and get strong arms and legs and then they forget they have to run five to ten miles every day in boot camp so be sure to prepare for that before you work out because it will also increase your stamina,” Speiser said. “Another thing, begin to detox from caffeine and all vices because you will only be allowed water during basic training.”
While Speiser’s future will look different than most of his classmates, the ability to contribute to something greater than himself will be just as rewarding in the long run.