By: Jackie Barnum
On the very first day of checking into the United States Naval Academy, exactly ten years ago, one of the very first things I remember being told was that I was one of America’s “best and brightest” that was chosen to embark on the journey of becoming an Officer in the Navy or Marine Corps. This phrase “best and brightest” was repeated over and over and resonated in my mind. I was the top of my high school class, the varsity team captain of two sports, class president… so by that objective measure you could say that I was one of the best and brightest. When I was plucked out of my hometown and placed in a group of 1200 students where everyone had equally if not more impressive resumes, I quickly realized this was a whole different ball game. I didn’t feel like I was the best and brightest, I felt mediocre and average. I started to question myself, “how am I using my light? What do I do with this so-call brightness they are telling me I have?”
After four years of a rigorous academic schedule and military requirements I was selected to be a Marine Corps Ground Officer – my first choice. With very little exposure or information as to what that really meant and who I would be leading, I was sent to The Basic School in Quantico VA where all Marine Corps Officers are sent for training. Again, I was in a pool of Second Lieutenants, all of whom were the “best and brightest.” With the same frustrations I faced at the Naval Academy of feeling average, I realized that in order to hold my own and make a difference, I needed to find my light and create my own brightness. I reflected on my weaknesses and strengths, I sought help with improving my weaknesses and I harnessed my strengths. Compassion, team building, and sincerity are my strengths and these three things have allowed me to inspire, communicate with, and relate to men and women of diverse groups and backgrounds over the last 6 years while assigned to different units from Okinawa Japan to California, and now in Rhode Island.
I have always referred to my Marines as my brothers and sisters and often greet them in the morning with a “Good morning family!” I instill the idea that we are all one team and everyone is equally valuable and important to our collective success. If one person succeeds, we all succeed. If one fails, we all fail. A point that I continually tell my Marines is the fact that I am no more qualified or capable than anyone – I simply have a different job. I am not the best and brightest, rather, I give them my best and use my light to bring purpose and meaning into their lives.
I had the honor of serving as a Company Commander, and had over 140 Marines under my charge. I was exposed to men and women of all different races, backgrounds, stories, struggles, and accomplishments. I had one Marine who was from Ghana, several from Puerto Rico, and many from all over the US. Each Marine has a unique story to tell – why they joined the Marine Corps, what motivates them, and what their goals are. All you have to do is listen. Care about them. Ask questions that will make them feel important such as “What is next for you?” and push them to apply themselves and seek further education and training. The more you know about your men and women, the more they will talk to you and open up to you. Use your light to create a spotlight on them while you are talking to them to make each person feel important and valued.
Ultimately, if you show your Marines love and compassion, ask questions about them and completely listen, and be as genuine in caring about each of their lives as possible, you will earn their trust. Last October one of my Marines decided to take his life. It was one of the most difficult challenges I have faced as a leader. On that day and on the days and weeks that followed we leaned on each other as family. Our ranks become irrelevant, all that mattered was how we were going to get through this huge loss. How do you handle a situation where a Marine is so completely beside himself in grief that he collapses in your arms? How do you respond when this happens completely out of the blue with no warning signs? They don’t teach you that at the Naval Academy, there is no lesson on this at The Basic School. Being the best and brightest doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you are there, you provide support, and it is okay to be a human. Use your light to provide warmth and comfort to your Marines who lost a friend. Use your light to guide the way for those that are facing times of despair and confusion. Show them that they are not alone and be there to lead them out of the darkness when they are ready.
Currently I am stationed at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, preparing for 250 midshipmen candidates to arrive to begin their journey of becoming America’s next round of the best and brightest. My challenge to them is for them to discover their light and then prepare for how will they apply it and spread it to the men and women who will eventually serve as their junior Marines and Sailors. How will they use their light to reach each person and find a way to empathize, relate and provide guidance and mentorship regardless of background, gender, or race. Each of us has our own unique talents and strengths but we truly shine from the light and support of the everyone on the team. What sparks the light in you and what will you do with it?