SAN DIEGO --
Following a dream can
take many different paths or routes. The only thing that matters is that one
used those paths to lead them to make their dreams a reality.
Private First Class Adam N. Shane, Delta Company, 1st
Recruit Training Battalion, did not let adversity stop him from following his
dreams to become a Marine.
Shane grew up in Plymouth, Minn., where from an early
age, always had an interest in being a leader and defending his country.
“My interest really sparked after the 9/11 attacks,” said
Shane. “I wanted to be able to have a chance to stop something like that from
happening again.”
The young Marine chose to attend college at University of
Minnesota and then transferred to Arizona State University and took part in the
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Shane was on his way to become a
Marine officer.
“I spent two years in the NROTC program,” said
23-year-old. “I did really well, I liked a lot of things about the program
especially the leadership aspects of it and being able to take charge of
subordinates and teach them.”
After his second year in the program, Shane began to look
into the enlisted side of the Corps’ instead of the officer route.
“I think I was more intrigued by the enlisted route,”
said Shane. “I really wanted to be in the fight and after I did some research, I
figured the enlisted side would give me the best experience.”
In May 2015, Shane graduated from college with a degree
in criminal justice, which he plans to use after his service in the Corps.
Following graduation, Shane wasted no time beginning his
Marine Corps career. A mere three months later, he stepped on the yellow
footprints of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego to become a part of Delta
Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion.
Shane was quickly recognized by his drill instructors for
his leadership abilities and was immediately appointed as platoon guide, which
is the highest position a recruit can hold while in recruit training.
Throughout training, Shane proved to his platoon and
drill instructors that he was capable of leading and they were impressed by his
qualities. He is graduating as platoon guide, the position he held throughout
recruit training.
After graduation, Shane will report to the School of
Infantry to continue training and learn his military occupational specialty as
an infantryman. He plans on gaining as much experience as he can as an enlisted
Marine and then applying to transition from enlisted to officer.
“It’s surreal that I am a Marine now,” said Shane. “It
feels good that my dreams are coming true.”