Photo By Staff Sgt. Quentarius Johnson | U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Hans Akayni poses in front of the Iwo Jima Monument at Marine...... read more read more
Subscribe
Story by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Quentarius Johnson
“Sometimes failure means ‘not now,’ not ‘never,’” says U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Hans Akayni.
The new Marine, 19, of Lowell, Massachusetts, began his journey by attending Marine Corps Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina in March 2020.
It did not go according to plan.
Akayni, who spent much of his life growing up in West Africa, moved to the U.S. with his parents when he was 16 years old. After graduating high school, he began attending Middlesex Community College, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, but he says he knew this was not meant for him.
He made a decision to go into the Marine recruiting office to learn about the opportunities the Marine Corps could provide.
He said he had considered the Army as well, but chose the Marine Corps for the challenge.
The Marines also offered the physical fitness and unique travel opportunities which were particularly appealing, Akayni said.
Once at Parris Island, Akayni began his training cycle with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, where he says he felt he was excelling physically, but his first true challenge arose when it came time for swim qualification.
Akayni had never swam before, and after one week of training, he showed no progress. He was then moved to Echo Company, 1st RTBn, so he would have another chance to successfully complete the swim qualification.
Once again, after another week of attempts he showed no progress. He was then given the option to go to a different company to try again or to go home. Although he did not want to give up, Akayni said, he knew the results would be the same if he did not have the time to practice and build up his confidence in the water.
He made the decision to return home. Though he returned home, Akayni says he had not given up on his goal to be a United States Marine.
Back home, Akayni began working and attending college, and he started seeking out swimming lessons, but due to COVID-19 no classes were being held. Once restrictions began to lift, he signed up for a membership at his local YMCA where he was at the pool six days a week, to include one-on-one training with an instructor each Saturday.
After months of training, Akayni says he made a break through and learned to swim with confidence.
“In boot camp, I learned that with practice I can do anything, and I truly believe that,” Akayni said, and that gave him the drive to not give up.
He returned to recruit training in March 2021, where he excelled in swim qualification, and on July 2, 2021, Pfc. Hans Akayni graduated from recruit training having earned the title, Marine.
After recruit training and Marine Combat Training, Akayni attended the Marine Motor Vehicle Operator course. He says his goal is to continue higher education, while learning everything he can about his job and being certified in every vehicle the Marine Corps utilizes.
“Never give up on your dreams,” says Akayni. “Sometimes failure means ‘not now,’ not ‘never.’ Your next try is going to be a success.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2021 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 409310 |
| Location: | LOWELL, MA, US |
| Web Views: | 207 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Determined to succeed, Lowell native returns to boot camp to be US Marine, by SSgt Quentarius Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT