Do any of you regret it?

So as I’m writing this, I feel like some Marines and vets may take it as an insult to even read, but I’ll ask anyway.

I’m 18 and a U.S permanent resident; never had the opportunity to become a citizen because my mother refused to let me apply for naturalization through my father, I wanted to join the military since the start of highschool. Second I turned 16 I went to the army recruiting office and started discussing options. After about a year of waiting I ended up scrapping the idea because of some medical stuff that was getting in the way and my recruiter being less than optimistic. 2 years later and I graduate highschool thinking I’m going to go to college and get my degree in psychology. Throughout my 4 years of HS I had seen and spoken to recruiters from basically every branch, marines especially. After I graduated, my mom got drunk and we had it out. She said some things and I said some things I regret, she unfortunately doesn’t. That led me to getting kicked out of my house and I’ve been couch hopping barely scraping by on my job’s paycheck working full time. I spoke to Navy, AF and coast guard. They all told me the same shit.

1. Medical might disqualify for you
2. Tattoos might be out of regs
3. You aren’t a citizen so we can’t get you a good job

Made me probably the most scared for my future I’ve been in a while. Eventually I walked into what I thought was a marine recruiters office. Turned out it was the prior service center lol. Marine there was just as surprised as I was. He started pulling up recruiting stations and going down the list calling. 2 no responses until one finally picked up, I went there and spoke with the station commander (SSgt. Kieth in Orlando if anyone recognizes the name) and we had about a 20 minute conversation where I explained to him everything I’ve explained here, what all the other branches told me and I was expecting him to say the same shit. Instead he said this, word for word

SSgt: “Do you want to be a marine, not a service member, a marine?”

Me: yes.

SSgt: “so if I got you on a bus to go to PI tomorrow, with you as you are now. You’d go?” (For reference I’m 5’9 127 lbs)

Me: yes.

SSgt: “you’re sure? Don’t lie to me”

Me: I’m sure.

Without any hesitation he said

“Ok, I’m going to make you a marine.”

It was probably the most focused and serious statement someone has made to me related to me in my life. Didn’t worry about my tattoos, medical history, nothing. Said it didn’t matter and he’d make it happen

I’m still a poolee, waiting for some waivers to clear and whatnot. Been to MEPS once, have to go back for some more testing and whatnot. This is the furthest I’ve been in the process. I’m wanting to go 0331 and then sign another contract to transfer over to 0861 and get a JTAC qualification once I get my citizenship after my first contract.

Been rambling for a bit, but anyone who’s joined in a situation that was a little similar to mine, back against the wall and out of options, so you signed to start a life. Do you regret it? How did joining help you? How did it hurt you? Would you do it again if you’re a vet and had all the knowledge you have now?