SNOHOMISH — Spencer Sawdon is a senior at AIM High School in Snohomish. He had trouble staying focused on his courses at first but has changed that in hopes of joining the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation. Sawdon, 18, is now a leader at the alternative school, influencing other students to work hard to achieve their goals. He’s also in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Snohomish High School.
Question: How did you get involved in the JROTC program?
Answer: I was in it my freshman year. My dad brought it up and I decided to give it a try. I left after first semester because I didn’t think it was right for me. Last year, I decided to join again. The class teaches you a lot about leadership. I think it’ll help me with joining the Marine Corps.
Q: What made you decide you want to join the military?
A: My dad went to Snohomish High School and decided to join the Marine Corps. I want to follow in his footsteps. He told me it’s a good life experience and you get to travel. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
Q: When will you enlist?
A: I have to close the gauges in my ears first because they’re are not allowed. I have to get surgery but I think it’ll be worth it.
Q: I understand you’re also an artist?
A: I like to draw just about anything, portraits, Japanese artwork, just art in general. I like sculpting, water colors, working with charcoal and glass art.
Q: Tell me about your apprenticeship?
A: I’ve been an apprentice at my dad’s tattoo shop. It’s a learning process everyday. I go to work as much as I can. My dad tells me what’s right, what’s wrong and how I can improve each picture. It’s drawing 24/7. Practice, practice, practice.
Q: Have you actually inked a person?
A: I’m not ready for that yet. It’s kind of scary. We’re going to practice on a latex arm first. If it turns out, great. If not, it’s just a hobby of mine.
Q: Is tattooing something you’d ever be interested in as a career?
A: It’s something to fall back on when I get out of the Marine Corps. It’s good to have a backup plan.
Q: What else do you like to do?
A: I like to work on cars with my friends, mostly Hondas. It’s relaxing and good to be with a bunch of buddies doing something you enjoy.
Q: How has school been?
A: I don’t even know where to start, honestly. I started out slow. I didn’t have any motivation but I turned that around. Now, I’m taking 10 classes plus ROTC.
Q: What motivated you to do that?
A: If I didn’t graduate, I wouldn’t be happy with myself. It just needs to be done to do what I really want to do. You have to finish high school in order to join the Marine Corps.
Q: How have you used that experience to influence others?
A: Some of my friends also had a slow start. When they see my hard work, they want to do the same. We want to graduate together.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I want to go sign my contract for the Marine Corps. I want to go for infantry or do something with vehicles.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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