If you’ve ever wondered about the people who walk around campus in khaki uniforms and a cover (the hat), here is your opportunity to learn about one of the very best. Kaitlin Kowker is in Navy ROTC, and manages to succeed in class on top of all the hours she puts into ROTC. I’m lucky enough to be roommates with her, so I figured I should learn what exactly it is that wakes her up at five in the morning.
Name: Kaitlin Kowker
Major: Nursing
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Frackville, PA
Highlight Activity: NROTC
What is NROTC, and why did you decide to join?
NROTC stands for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. And, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and join the navy ever since I was in high school. It was in high school that I began looking for opportunities that would let me do both. I found NROTC and applied for the scholarship, which I got, so I decided to go that route. I think it will be helpful in the long run, and I want to serve the country I love.
If you could describe NROTC in three words, what would they be?
Dedication, Integrity, Fulfilling
Why did you decide on nursing?
My mom introduced me to nursing, actually, because she’s been an RN (registered nurse) for twenty-six years now. I’ve always wanted to go into the medical field but could never decide on whether to become a surgeon, nurse practitioner, doctor, etc. I decided on nursing because of time and the amount of schooling and such. In addition, I’m thinking of becoming a nurse practitioner and getting my masters, and the Navy has programs to help me get my masters.
What do you think is the toughest part of NROTC?
The time commitment. It can be difficult to balance school, a social life, sleep, and health in addition to NROTC.
What do you think is the best aspect of it?
Definitely the people. There are a lot of great people that I’ve met and made connections with. I also feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself, and that’s really fulfilling.
What is your fondest memory of NROTC?
Probably the night that I slept on the USS Constitution. It was pretty cool to sleep on a ship. We went because, in years past, they used to go to Newport, RI for ten days for an immersion into naval life. But, because of the conflicting schedules between all the schools in the program (BC, BU, and Northeastern), they decided to do a weekend boot camp type event this year.
What aspects can you carry over into your life?
I’ve learned how to create a schedule for everything now and to stay more organized. Again, this goes back to balancing school, ROTC, and other aspects of my life. And, I’ve definitely become more confidant in public speaking because I have to voice my opinion frequently. It has definitely made me step out of my comfort zone with I think has helped me grow.
What is the meaning behind the different uniforms?
We wear the khaki uniforms on lab days, so when you see us on campus wearing them, it’s because we’re required to wear them until five. And, the blueish camouflage uniform is our NWUs (Navy Working Uniforms) aka “Blueberries” which we wear when it’s cold outside.
After graduation, what happens? What is the placement process like?
After graduation, I’ll be commissioned as an ensign (officer) in the navy. This means that I go in right away as an officer. I could also be stationed in multiple places but will most likely be in a hospital wherever I end up. There’s also a chance that I could be stationed on the hospital ships USNS Mercy or USNS Comfort.
If you could come up with a recruitment poster in 20 words or less, what would it say?
We’re trading our maroon and gold for Navy blue and gold to support the red, white, and blue.
What’s a week in your life like?
Since the program is through BU, all my training is there which means going to BU at least twice a week in the mornings. Last semester I had to take intro to naval science on Mondays and Fridays from 8:00 – 9:15. I also have physical training on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00, and Naval Leadership Lab on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30. In the leadership lab, it’s pretty cool, we have general military trainings, Powerpoints and discussions, and speakers come in to talk to us. We’ve had a World War II veteran come in and a four-star admiral come in. I get to learn a lot from a different perspective and I really appreciate that.
As you can clearly see, Kaitlin is working incredibly hard while fulfilling her passion, and I think that is something we can all strive to emulate. Hopefully, this illuminated you to the inner workings of NROTC and gave you insight into one of BC’s finest: Kaitlin Kowker.