Photo By Cpl. Simon Saravia | U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Kuan C. Huang, a communications chief with United States...... read more read more
In a world where time is scarce and demands are constant, Marines continue to make the bold choice to pursue higher education while continuing to serve their country. For many, the motivation isn’t just personal advancement, it’s about leadership, legacy, and setting the example.
U.S. Marines with United States Marine Corps Forces Korea recently celebrated a major milestone, earning their college degrees while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and were recognized at the Joint College Recognition Ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Sept. 27. Their journeys reflect discipline, sacrifice, and a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives both inside and outside the military.
For Sgt. Stephanie Enrriquez, an administrative specialist with MARFORK and native of Texas, the decision to pursue a degree stemmed from a desire to broaden her career options both in uniform and after.
“I chose to pursue a college degree while serving to create more career opportunities for myself, both within the Marine Corps and in civilian life afterward,” said Enrriquez.
As a senior enlisted leader, Master Sgt. Kuan Huang, a communications chief with MARFORK and a native of Georgia, saw higher education as an extension of his leadership.
“I realized I couldn’t encourage my Marines to further their education if I wasn’t doing it myself,” said Huang. Wanting to lead by example, Huang finds his motivation in his family: “My daughters are also my biggest motivation. I want them to remember what I accomplished and be inspired to chase their own dreams.”
Neither Marine took a traditional path towards their degrees. One initially planned a career in the medical field but found a new calling through her leadership experiences in the United States Marines Corps.
“I discovered my strengths as a communicator and subject matter expert, which led me to pursue a degree in education,” shared Enrriquez. “I want to make a meaningful impact by mentoring and teaching others.”
Huang chose a more flexible academic route with long-term goals of his military career in mind.
“I chose a bachelor’s in liberal studies because I wanted a degree that offered flexibility and didn’t limit me to one specific field,” said Huang. “My associate’s degree in military leadership reflects my passion for leadership and captures the essence of my military career.”
The challenge of balancing a degree with the demands of serving on active duty is no easy task. Between deployments, duty rosters, family commitments, and physical training, there can be little room for personal time let alone textbooks, long hours of studying, homework, and lectures.
“There were tough and rewarding days,” Enrriquez recalled. “Balancing work, school, leadership duties, and personal time wasn’t easy. But my leaders and peers supported me every step of the way.”
“Balancing my duties as a full-time father, husband, and Marine while pursuing education was stressful at times,” Huang agreed. “Looking back, I am proud of my accomplishments. Being able to manage all these responsibilities while completing off-duty education has proven that hard work and dedication truly pay off.”
When asked what kept them motivated during the hardest moments, both Marines gave credit where it was due.
“My mother and sisters have always been my strongest support system.” said Enrriquez. “Their pride in me is constant, and their encouragement and understanding have been invaluable throughout my career as a Marine and in my pursuit of higher education.”
Huang credited the values instilled in him by the Corps.
“Honor, Courage, Commitment along with my experience as a Drill Instructor and Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander have taught me resilience and determination,” said Huang. “These principles have been my foundation and kept me from giving up. A Marine will always accomplish the mission.”
Their degrees represent more than academic achievement, they are personal milestones earned through sacrifice and tenacity.
“I’m incredibly proud of earning the title of Marine,” Enrriquez said. “The Marine Corps has profoundly shaped me into a better person and given me the opportunity to give back to my family, comrades, leadership, and myself.”
Huang celebrated a high academic honor, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 3.85 GPA. That’s something he will carry with him forever and validation that all the late nights and missed weekends were worth it.
Neither Marine is slowing down. In fact, one is already eyeing graduate school with the hopes to shape the next generation of Marines to come.
“In the next few years, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in education and administration. Alongside that, I hope to become an instructor at the Personnel Administration School,” said Enrriquez. “I want to help shape the next generation of Marines while also emphasizing the importance of education.”
The other is focused on certifications that will enhance his post-service career.
“I recently earned my Security+ certification, and now I’m studying for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification,” said Huang. “In today’s civilian workforce, a bachelor’s degree is often the minimum requirement, so additional certifications and a security clearance will strengthen my resume and expand my career opportunities.”
With the benefit of hindsight, both Marines reflected on what they would've told themselves at the beginning of their educational journeys.
“Start sooner,” said Enrriquez without hesitation. “I’d remind myself that time will pass anyways, and what once seemed impossible is achievable.”
“It’s okay to be inexperienced and unsure at first,” added Huang. “What matters is recognizing your weaknesses and committing to self-improvement. As the Marine Corps Leadership Principle says: ‘Know yourself and seek self-improvement.’”
In the end, these Marines are more than just service members with degrees. They are leaders, mentors, parents, and role models showing that even under the weight of service, education is not just possible, it's powerful. If you’ve been thinking about going back to school, do it. You are more capable than you think, and you don’t have to do it alone.
“When a Marine sets a goal, mission accomplishment isn’t just expected, it's inevitable.” said Huang.
Marines interested in pursuing higher education can seek guidance at their Education Center, where they can apply to receive up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance to cover classes.
MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps' service component for United States Forces Korea (USFK) and United Nations Command (UNC). It commands all U.S. Marine forces assigned to USFK and UNC; advises USFK and UNC on the capabilities, support, and proper employment of Marine forces in defense of the Republic of Korea (ROK); and serves as the U.S. Marine Corps’ representative to the Commandant of the ROK Marine Corps.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 21:59 |
| Story ID: | 549638 |
| Location: | CAMP HUMPHREYS, KR |
| Web Views: | 954 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines in Uniform, Students at Heart: Earning a Degree While Serving, by Cpl Simon Saravia, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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