Thirteen years of school from the time you’re 5 years old, and then straight to a university to live in a dorm for at least four more years. That’s the norm, right? It’s not for everybody though. Some North Platte High School seniors are excited to be doing things a little bit differently.

There are 12 seniors this year who have enlisted into the military following graduation, Some have already left for training and boot camp. Two of those seniors are Sara Simcox and Isaac Bokoskie.
Bokoskie has enlisted with the Army National Guard, and actually plans to take college courses at the same time. He chose that branch of the military because it was the only one that offered a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or ROTC program, where he will be able to learn leadership. “It was a long [process] to decide which way to go,” Bokoskie said.

Simcox said that the military had always been one option for her after high school, but she officially decided on the Air Force after speaking with recruiter Ricardo ??? about her other options involving the military. “A lot of the stuff that you do in the Air Force is more intellectual work, which seemed better for me,” she said. “I’m really excited to go and start over.”

Both seniors have spent a lot of time preparing. Bokoskie believes that it’s really important to research, and consider all branches of the military before deciding on one. “I would decide, and then another recruiter makes you think again,” he said. Simcox said she has been working with a trainer every day to physically prepare herself, and she has been reading a lot about what it’s like to be a woman in the Air Force. She has also been praying. “I trust that God will put me where I’m supposed to go,” she said. “[It’s nice] having Him help me calm down my thoughts because it is easy to get freaked out.”

They each had different experiences telling their families though, which also played a part in their decisions. “My family is super supportive,” Simcox said. Many people in her family have been involved in the military before, such as her dad, who was in the Marine Corps. They do worry about her being in danger though, whether that be being in an active war zone or experiencing sexual assault. Bokoskie’s family reacted a little bit differently. “They’re all against it,” he said. He said they are worried about nuclear threats, and a war starting. “It makes you step back and rethink your plans for the future, but I am confident in my decision,” Bokoskie said.

While their futures are pretty unclear, they both have been thinking about what is to come after their time commitment to the military. Bokoskie wants to have a job in some sort of leadership position, that would allow him to train other cadets. Simcox really wants to be a mom, and maybe own a business like a coffee shop too. “I don’t know, maybe I will end up loving the military,” Simcox said.

“It’s a big decision and it’s going to take a lot of your time, but it’s worth it,” Bokoskie said. They are both confident in their choice to do things a little bit differently, and they are excited for the future and new experiences. “After MEPS (medical examination testing), it’s so serious and it’s so real,” Simcox said. “Even after that, I was like this is definitely where I’m supposed to be, but it pulls you into reality.”