Out of the many college campuses where Second Lieutenant Clinton Nahod recruits for the U.S. Marines, Geneva College always stands out.

“The big difference that I notice is a certain character that comes out of students at Geneva that I do not see often elsewhere,” he says. “I would recommend anyone to look into attending Geneva College, and any Geneva College student to consider joining the marines.”

Clinton graduated from Geneva College in spring 2009 and joined the marines on a sudden impulse. He walked into the recruiter′s office to support a friend, but when he left, he had a contract in his hand. It was a quick decision, but he hasn't regretted it for a moment.

“I enlisted in between my freshmen and sophomore years at Geneva, and it made me much more serious as a student. As I have progressed as a marine, I have become more serious about education, too,” he says.

A stronger emphasis on learning is not the only thing that the marines gave Clinton. Over the years since boot camp, his faith has also grown. In an environment that works to make the men into a solid unit, Clinton found that drill instructors and officers left faith alone.

“It′s the one thing that will make you an individual there,” he says. “Also, I think Christianity gives you a certain work ethic. You don't want to gaff off, and servant leadership is something I believe in. When you're leading, you serve your subordinates.”

Clinton is extremely supportive of college students joining the marines. “At the age that students are now, it′s something they have to just jump into. There are people who are interested in doing it, but they have these things holding them back; part of it is fear. I hear a lot of older people saying, ‘I wish I did it′ all the time. It′s something that′s now or never, so do it. It'll bring a whole new perspective into your life and make you a stronger person physically, mentally and morally.”

- by Bonnie Smith ('12)

 

View other profiles