July 28, 2014 - MMI Marine Student Prepares for Second Technical Diploma

Amy Gentry, MMI-Orlando student

There are different paths to success … and Amy Gentry is pursuing two of them.

A few weeks away from earning her second diploma from MMI-Orlando, she’s about to check off another career goal. Prior to enrolling in school, however, she had decided that her first was to serve her country.

Gentry spent five years in the Marine Corps – serving as a military police officer and operating .50-caliber and M240 machine guns. She has been deployed to Iraq on two occasions and was stationed at Camp Mujuk in South Korea. Needless to say, the 27-year-old has accomplished some major feats.

Gentry’s desire to work with her hands, however, eventually led her to Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. After graduating in May 2013, it was on to Marine Mechanics Institute, where she’s on track to earn her diploma on July 11.

“With both diplomas, Amy will have more knowledge, skills and abilities – which allows for more employment opportunities,” said Michael Benfer, education manager at MMI-Orlando. “In addition to a skilled technician, employers are also hiring someone who is a lover of the lifestyle. What better choice than a boater who loves motorcycles?”

Gentry’s next career goal: Get accepted into the Coast Guard. Building upon her MMI degrees, she’d like to do performance work and — to match her free spirit — rebuild engines to test just how fast a vehicle can go.

 “I have a lot of dreams,” she added. “And dreams take a lot of paths to pursue. I welcome the challenge.”