Courtney Lark
Military Branch: US Marine Corps
Length of Service: 5 years
UF Major or Department: Economics
Position in the Military: Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Technician
What was the best part about being in the military?
Challenging myself, doing things I would never get to experience as a civilian, building lifetime friendships, meeting people from all over the country, being apart of something bigger than myself, encouraging others, discovering my strengths and weaknesses, and maturing.
How did your time in the military prepare you for studying or working at UF?
In the military I had to be accountable for myself and manage my time effectively, this prepared me for being able to balance assignments and a work schedule while at UF. I have a lot of life experience of being on my own, making friends and discovering resources so I have already dealt with a lot of issues that kids fresh out of high school have never experienced. I have mentored several of my peers at UF because of the life and work experience that I have.
How does your military experience affect your life today?
It made me focus on what is important, what I want to get out of life, and to avoid stagnation and misery. Being in the military made me realize that if you want something to change YOU have to make a change, it's not just going to happen, it requires work.
What was the best food you ate in the military?
Steak on Parris Island for the the Navy's Birthday or dinner everyday at the DFAC on Kessler AFB
What was the worst food you ate in the military?
Cold MREs
