By Henry Smith – Sports Editor

After graduating from Law in 2025, Will Smith decided to take a different path from many of his classmates.

Smith joined the United States Coast Guard, where he has spent the past several months learning new skills, meeting new people, and adjusting to military life.

“I wanted to join the Coast Guard because I wanted to do something different and meaningful,” Smith said. “I want to make an impact on others.”

Since joining Smith has been involved in maintenance around the base and has gone through training on different Coast Guard skills. His training has included towing boats, basic CPR and first aid, and learning how to properly use different equipment and assets.

Smith has also learned important boat crewman skills, including boat handling, navigation, first aid, towing, anchoring, and line handling. He has also started learning the basics of maritime law enforcement.

“My favorite part of serving in the Coast Guard is learning new things and getting opportunities to do things ordinary people do not get to do,” Smith said, “I also enjoy meeting new people and being put in new environments.”

The most challenging part of his career so far was boot camp, which he completed in Cape May, New Jersey, four months ago.

“The most challenging part of my career so far has been boot camp,” said Smith, “It was a big adjustment physically and mentally, and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. “

One of the biggest changes for Smith has been getting used to the military lifestyle. Life in the Coast Guard is very different from the civilian life he experienced at Law.

“The biggest adjustment has been adapting to the military lifestyle,” said Smith, “You have to dress a certain way, have your hair cut a certain way, and maintain a certain fitness level, it is very different from civilian life.”

As Smith continues his Coast Guard career, he is looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and taking on new opportunities while working toward his goal of making an impact on others.