“To Make a Better Citizen”

During finals week of last semester, I set my mind on joining ROTC. However, it being the last week of school, and with my spring schedule basically already set, I wasn’t sure if it would work out according to plan. Luckily, after several advisor meetings, plus a little bit of switching my schedule around here and there during the first week back after winter break, we made it happen.

I was extremely excited to finally get the chance to experience something I have always wanted to do, yet, becoming a part of ROTC was also quite intimidating because the majority of the students in my class were, and still are, a whole semester ahead, since I started in spring—as opposed to fall—semester. Additionally, aside from a summer camp that integrated physical training into its program, I have no previous knowledge of anything military, which made me feel all the more behind. However, someone outside must be looking out for me, because it just so happens that one of my initiation class Alpha Delta Pi sisters also joined ROTC this month. I have also met a few other girls, all of whom have been friendly and supportive, guiding and helping me get to know the ins and outs of ROTC.

I am glad to report that I survived my first full week of ROTC, which included three mornings of physical training and an hour long lab class. Waking up at 6am everyday will soon become a norm, which, as a morning person, I am honestly pretty happy about. Even though I am still in the process of getting into the swing of things, I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming weeks of ROTC. Taking part in this distinctive program gives me a sense of greater purpose and will train me to be mentally and physically ready for basically anything that life throws my way.

 

 

Image From: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/arotc/images/ROTC.gif