Molly Howe
Age: 17 GPA: 3.6 Parents: Jack and Anne Howe
Two days after walking across the commencement stage, Molly Howe will begin Marine combat training in South Carolina.
She’s not worried – she already completed basic training after graduating in December, a semester early.
Howe knew two years ago that she wanted to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, but she had to wait until she was 17 to sign up. So, on Aug. 20, 2003, her 17th birthday, she did just that.
A recruiter noticed she could graduate early, and Howe liked the idea of receiving her diploma in her dress blues.
“College right away just didn’t seem like the right environment for me,” said Howe, whose grandparents served in World War II. “I wanted more discipline than that.”
Prior to departing for basic training, Howe went to great lengths to prepare herself for the grueling three months ahead. She worked out with a trainer to get in shape and bulk up, watched videos and spent time with recruiters.
The preparation must have worked, because she says nothing took her by surprise. Except the other recruits.
“I trained with all women,” she said. “They were all amazing.”
In combat training, she will study legal administration and plans to make the military her career.
