If you’ve read the book or seen the movie Lone Survivor, you know the story of Michael Murphy, the Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. During a vicious gunfight with the Taliban, Murphy, who had already been shot several times, left his position of cover and moved to an open area so he could get reception to call for reinforcements, all but guaranteeing that he would be killed in order to save his men. His last words before signing off were, “Thank you, sir.”
A different movie about his life, Murph: The Protector, shares two tales from Murphy’s high school days.
In one instance, his high school principal called Murphy’s mother to tell him that while Michael was not in trouble, he was obligated to report to her that Michael had been in a fight at school that day. Several boys were bullying a boy with learning difficulties and trying to stuff him in a locker. Murphy, the future Navy SEAL hero, jumped in and put a stop to it.
He was also a starting safety on his high school varsity football team, but Murphy lost his spot to a freshman phenom. It was clear to him that the spot was being given to the better player who could help the team. So instead of complaining or riding the bench in silence, Murphy made it his job to mentor the younger player who’d taken his spot. In spite of his disappointment, he found a way to contribute to his team.
Both of these actions highlight the importance of character–something that often gets lost in the college admissions discussion that can get too focused on GPAs, test scores, and offers of admission from prestigious colleges.
Character is available to anyone who wants it. It’s a trait that will never go out of style. People with good character always seem to have plenty of opportunities, jobs, and people who care about them.
You don’t need straight A’s or perfect test scores to reach out to people who need help, or to put the interests of your team, club, or organization ahead of your own. And you don’t have to be a Navy SEAL. You just have to be willing to do the right thing rather than the easy thing.
Interesting aside—when he decided to become a SEAL after college, Murphy had an admission to an Ivy League law school in hand. His undergraduate college? Penn State.