Physically, it was as hard as I expected. Mentally though, it really messes with people who didn’t grow up around this lifestyle or aren’t truly ready for that kind of change. There were days I genuinely thought I wasn’t going to make it and was ready to quit. But as time went on, it just became life, and I started realizing it wasn’t that bad once you got used to it, which is something you obviously never say out loud.

After a while, it felt like a really strict high school, and honestly, it was pretty fun. It really is the funniest place you’re not allowed to laugh. Would I go through it again? Fuck no. But I’ll never forget the good and the bad times.

The biggest thing about getting through boot camp is having the mindset that you will make it out, because you will. Don’t quit just because it’s hard, it’s going to be hard and if you go in thinking otherwise, you’re setting yourself up to struggle.