We all have dreams as kids. First, we want to be something outrageous. At some point, we hope to become a professional at whatever sport or art our parents enroll us in. We try things, find things we like, and find things we are good at, and suddenly we have to face reality. We are forced to choose a career path based on our passions and skills. The whole thing is a roller coaster, really, and some people go all the way through college to find they still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up.
Few of us actually hold on to our childhood dreams long enough to make them a reality, but this week’s Campus Celebrity has.
Drew Woodford from Clarksburg, West Virginia, has had the dream of becoming a Navy SEAL since he read a book about a former SEAL in third grade.
“I was hooked,” said Woodford.
Since discovering his dream, Drew has been passionate about devoting most of his life to training for the daunting task of becoming a Navy SEAL.
“The typical day consists of at least a one mile swim, 5-10 mile run, and hundreds of push-ups, sit ups, and pull ups,” said Woodford. “The job I want to do requires a great deal of endurance and I am always working to increase mine.”
Not every decision came easy to Drew though.
“Going to college was a hard decision for me, but it is going to benefit me in the long run,” said Woodford. “I will enter the Navy as an E-3 because of my college degree and therefore, my climb up the rank ladder will be more efficient. Rank and money are not important factors in my decision, however, this is all about my personal commitment to better myself and give back to my country.”
In addition to being a student, training hard, and taking rigorous tests in hopes of becoming a SEAL, Drew enjoys spending his time hunting, fishing, camping, and competing in shooting sports. Lately though, he has given up all campus activities and organizations to work toward his goal.
Drew should soon be given news about his acceptance as a Navy SEAL based on physical and mental tests he took. He says he hopes for the best, but is prepared for whatever the future holds.
“Even though it is hard for me considering that I’ve wanted this my whole life, I still want to give back to my country and I want to be in a fast-paced competitive environment,” said Woodford.
If you happen to run…or swim in to Drew, stop and talk to him about his journey. Don’t forget to wish him luck in achieving his dream. He deserves it!