At Cardozo, there are several teachers and staff members who are also Veterans, however, one in particular has a story that shines and stands out. The only female Veteran currently working at Cardozo, Ms. Boynton, has a story and a voice to share.
Special educator and science teacher Ms. Boynton served in the U.S Army for eight years, from 2007 to 2015. “I completed four and a half years on active duty, then the remaining three and a half years in the Army Reserves,” she explained.
Active duty is full-time service, in Ms. Boynton’s case, for the U.S. Army. She worked and served full-time. After four and a half years, she was able to work close to home to continue pursuing her goals outside of the U.S. Armed Forces.
When choosing the military branch she would enlist in, Ms. Boynton was well informed and chose specifically. “I spent a lot of time researching the different branches and felt that the Army was the best fit for me,” she said.
For some, being in the Army may sound demanding, but there are always memorable moments that make all of the work worth it. “I have deployed to Iraq twice, and in those times met some of the best people that are still my friends today,” Ms Boynton stated.
“Camaraderie with my fellow brothers and sisters in arms has made for the best times in service,” she added. While deploying may be scary, the people you are surrounded by make the experience more meaningful.
After her time in the Army, Ms. Boynton decided to become a teacher. The eight years she spent in the military were important and meaningful, but she began spreading love and service in new ways. The love she once received from her teacher stuck with her, and she decided to make spreading joy to students her goal.
“I have always been interested in teaching,” Ms. Boynton said. “My 5th-grade teacher instilled such great things in me that I still carry to this day, and I thought it would be amazing to be that teacher for other students.”
Being a teacher plays an important role in students’ lives. They grow up with the very teachers who teach them how to learn important responsibilities. Ms. Boynton decided that the path that was valuable to her, and even after decades, she still has one of her first-ever teachers in her memory and heart.
Looking at her students now, and looking back on her own military experience, Ms. Boynton had some sound advice for students looking into a future military career.
“I would tell any student who has an interest in the Armed Forces to do their research,” she said. “I believe that every service member experiences the military differently, so word of my mouth is not always reliable.” Any choice is a commitment that should be seen through.
Educators like Ms Boynton always deserve recognition, but during a time where we honor military Veterans in our lives, those who serve our country and our local community as educators deserve an extra special thank you this time of year.
As Ms. Boynton stated, “HOORAH!”
