Cuisine lover and future Marine Corps security guard: Ryan Pham

Ryan has made a big decision in his life.

S: Hello I am interviewing Ryan Pham here at the Evening of the Arts. He is volunteering at the Mer food station. But anyways, Ryan, what are you doing after high school?

R: I am joining the marine corp, I leave August 11th

S: Wow that’s really early!

R: My job is going to be marine corps security guard, which entails me guarding embassies, nuclear asylums, and if I get really lucky, I guard the president.

S: Oh shit!

R: That’s if I am really lucky.

B (Beau-Michelle R.): Do you really want to guard Trump though?

R: I mean when I get to that it’ll be a long time after

S: What made you decide ti join the marine corps

R: mostly just my personal things. Mainly self discipline and self confidence.

S: Oh so you do want the discipline? I mean, that’s really tough, no?

R: Ya

S: But that’s what you want?

R: Yes it is.

S: So you’re getting free college tuition, and you’re getting your education on the board?

R: ya so to expand on that: When I become a amrine, I am going to become stationed on a base, and at base, I will do my job from about 9-5, outside of that, I am getting a bachelor’s degree from on-base college. When I get out, I can take that degree, and with the GI Bill, that allows me to take the highest in-state tuition. And that means I can go to any college I want for a masters.

S: When did you decide you wanted to join?

R: 2-3 months ago

S: Well that’s pretty recent

R: Ya for most people it is, most people take a lifetime.

S: What is the likelihood you’ll get deployed

R: 100%. I will most likely be deployed 3 times and each deployment is about 8 months. And it could be anywhere; Nigeria, Syria, Afghanistan, etc.

S: Are you excited for that?

But understand that for marine corps security guard, if I get the job, it will make me go 5 years in service. 3 years doing the job as security, and the rest of the 2 years is going to be in retreat

S: Sorry I don’t know much about the army and such. If you only decided to stay there for 3 years, could you transfer? Cause you would be studying still?

R: No.

B: How do you feel about giving up all the things you have to give up? Like the things and friends you have here, are you comfortable with just going? Without knowing anyone? Do you think you have that level of independence?

R: Yes. And even If I didn’t, that’d be the sacrifice id have to make

S: How did your family feel about your decision?

R: My mom was very… reluctant.

S: Your dad?

R: He passed, but he’d probably

S: I’m sorry, do you have siblings? Do they support your decision?

R: Yes I do; and yes, my older brother has been supportive of my decision.

S: Okay it’s been great talking with you Ryan! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.

R: Of course.