For Cookeville High School Assistant Principal Amy

Rouchon, leadership didn’t begin in the classroom — it started in the United States

Marine Corps.

Rouchon served in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2005, rising from supply clerk to legal

administrator after completing legal school.

Her service took her around the world, beginning with a year-long assignment in

Okinawa, Japan, followed by three years at Camp Pendleton, California, and concluding

with three years in Orlando, Florida.

Looking back on her time in uniform, Rouchon says that her experience was

life-changing.

“It helped me become more confident in myself and become independent,” Rouchon

said. “I was able to interact with people all over the world, and in the Marine Corps,

people come from everywhere, and it's neat to think that somebody I worked with might

have been someone I never would have spoken to otherwise. I’m so grateful for that

opportunity.”

Rouchon also expressed that her time overseas gave her a lasting sense of gratitude.

“I think I appreciate life a little more because I traveled to places where people aren’t as

fortunate. I always take that with me and remind myself how grateful I am to be here

because of that.”

While Rouchon is forever grateful for her time with the Marines, the transition from the

fast-paced, physically demanding life of a Marine to the role of an educator wasn't easy.

Because her husband, James, remained on active duty, the adjustment took longer than

expected. However, it ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in education and

leadership.

“It was extreme, a big switch,” Rouchon said. “You’re so used to a certain way of life,

and it took probably a good five years for me to really transition out of that mentality.”

After leaving the Marines, she immediately enrolled in college, using military education

benefits to earn both her undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Today, she channels the lessons of discipline, adaptability, and companionship into her

work at Cookeville High School.

“With students, I always relate to the ones who don’t know what they want to do after

high school,” she explained. “The military can be a great opportunity for them to gain

independence, travel, get experience, and earn money for college. Then they can come

back and use all of that.”

When asked about what she wishes more people understood about military life, her

answer was simple but powerful.

“It truly is a brotherhood,” she says. “You can’t really explain it unless you've lived it.

Marines can always tell another Marine by the way we behave or the way we speak. It’s

a special bond you carry for life.”

Above all, Rouchon says she’s simply grateful for the experience, the growth, and the

perspective it gave her.

“For me to be 18 years old and go off on my own, it really gave me the confidence to

figure out who I was and what I wanted to do in life. I’ll always be thankful for that

opportunity."

That same confidence and sense of purpose guide her leadership at Cookeville High

School, where she continues to make an impact on students and staff alike.