Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsie Hancock.
Kelsie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I prepared for my Marine Corps career by attending Norwich University in Vermont where I focused on International Relations, French, and National Security Policy. I was very involved in extracurricular activities to include sports, special units like our Mountain Cold Weather unit that specialized in military mountaineering and cold weather survival, and worked part-time on campus and off campus as a waitress/bartender to earn a little extra income.
You can say that I’m a go-getter… maybe an outlier of sorts, always doing something out of the ordinary. I have always been ambitious to do things, as my Aunt would say, “Dare mighty things.” I distinctly remember doing so when I, at 11 years old, told my parents I wanted to play on the football team that year. Imagine my father’s palm to his face. Being a Marine Corps Officer has been a goal of mine since I was very young. I knew that being apart of the world’s greatest fighting force would allow me to earn the respect of others, my family, and ultimately, I would be proud of myself.
Having the opportunity to make a difference in the world excited me more than I could even describe. I, Kelsie Hancock from a small town in Southern Maryland, making a difference? Wow… sign me up. Being a female Marine Corps Officer has most definitely come with its own set of challenges. I like that word. Challenges are meant to be overcome giving others the ability to witness. Ductus Exemplo has been engrained in every Marine Corps Officer’s mind. It means to lead by example. I like to take that a step further and also lives by example.
In doing so, I like to live a transparent life allowing the Marines I work with the ability to see me for who I am. What I strive to do is give an example to service members of how to live life to the fullest; how to be oneself in an organization that requires uniformity, tradition, and adherence. You can do all of that. You can fit the mold, walk the walk, talk the talk, and still be yourself. One way I do this is through modeling and fitness! I love helping others better themselves through health and fitness, and I enjoy the camera! I enjoy dressing up, doing my hair, putting on makeup, posing, and doing the occasional bikini physique competitions all over Southern California.
I have no problem going from combat boots to heels. I feel so empowered, confident, and beautiful, and it is a way that I get to express myself beyond the camouflage. I have heard in the past that being a model and a Marine Officer isn’t a good idea. In my opinion, I think it’s a fantastic idea. It shows others that you can be beautiful, confident, fit, be an effective leader, be taken seriously as a professional, and do your job! Do not allow people to label you.
The great thing about life is that we can define ourselves however we want. Through our examples, how we treat others, and how we treat ourselves are things that should define who we are. It is so important to live YOUR life; to take advantage of opportunities; to learn, grow and develop; and to dare mighty things.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The cliche statement, “Nothing in life worth having is ever easy,” screams to this question. In a lot of ways, it’s true. I joined the Marine Corps anticipating challenge. I think that is how we grow. I chose to start modeling to overcome challenges I was facing in my life, and it turned into a passion and a platform to reach and inspire so many other people in a positive way. At the end of the day, if you are doing your best, have a strong work ethic, meet or even exceed standards, and treat others with respect, then you’re on the right track. Every other opinion of others is just background noise.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Currently, I am the Operations Officer for my Company. Consider it synonymous with project management in the corporate world. By trade, I am a Communications Officer with basic foundational knowledge and understanding of Information Management, Cyber Security, Network Security and Management, and Planning, Installing, Maintaining and Operating Communications equipment. I’d like to say I’m one of the “go-to” fitness resources in my company. I’ve helped develop policies on how to better physical fitness in my unit.
One of my favorite things about my company is how hard the Marines work. They continue to impress me on a daily basis. They are asked to do quite a bit, and they wholeheartedly perform day in and day out no matter the obstacle. They’re also incredible people. They’re hilarious and fun to be around. I think the best case scenario is to see two completely opposite people with completely different opinions, backgrounds, ways of life, political affiliation, orientation, etc. wearing the same uniform, working together and having each other’s back no matter the case.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I am blessed beyond belief with having caring, loving, and involved parents. We didn’t always have the most money growing up, but I saw how hard my parents worked to support my family. My dad would wake us up really early in the morning to go fishing (because that’s when the fish were awake, and we totally believed him).
The song, “Just Fishin” by Trace Adkins always comes to mind. And nights my mom would play hide and go seek with us in the dark. We’d turn all the lights off in the house, and sure enough, she’d find us because we were giggling uncontrollably. I will never forget that one night, she hid under the kitchen table by laying across the chairs… she will laugh remembering that time too! My parents are the definition of unconditional love, for us, and for each other.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @its.kelsiemarie
- Other: @_k_m_fit
Image Credit:
Albert Carrasco III, Aaron Johnson, Frank Martinez
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