I’ve known Stephanie for awhile now since we grew up in the same small town. Over the years we led similar lives, learning from the same teachers, taking lessons from the same tennis coaches, visiting the same Midland haunts. Even though the trend continued and we both ended up at the same university, our lives took different turns. Namely, while I will graduate a solid yet pretty standard college student, Stephanie will leave Michigan as a Distinguished Military Graduate followed by her new life serving in the Army followed by a possible career in Intelligence.
Her Campus: What made you join ROTC in the first place?
Stephanie: I just knew that if I did not try ROTC out, I would regret it in ten years. I have always had a huge amount of respect for anyone that served in the military and believed it was one of the most meaningful jobs somebody could do. My Dad enlisted in the Army awhile back and I always admired his stories and life lessons that he got from his experience.
Her Campus: What are a couple of your favorite things about ROTC here at Michigan?
Stephanie: There are so many aspects about ROTC that I love. If I had to choose one, I would say my favorite thing is the leadership training and how real it is. From being in charge of students, to planning training events, or even just leading by example by getting good grades and being physically fit.
Her Campus: I hear you have been chosen to be a Distinguished Military Graduate—can you tell me exactly what that is?
Stephanie: Distinguished Military Graduate is an award given to cadets who are in the top 20% of all the cadets in the nation (there’s about 5800 total) on the National Order of Merit (OML) list. I was extremely excited to receive this award because you really don’t know how good everyone else is or where you stand in the nation until the list is published in the first semester of senior year.
Her Campus: Wow, congrats, that is amazing! Do you hold any leadership positions in ROTC currently?
Stephanie: This semester, I’m the Cadet Battalion Commander, which is the highest position available to each senior class. I’m lucky enough to have this opportunity because in just two months, I have already learned so much about my leadership strengths and weaknesses and how well I can time manage, prioritize, and handle stress. I’ve also learned a lot about failure. How to move forward and learn from mistakes made, how to hold myself together when being told I’m wrong or that I messed up, and how to properly react and adapt when things don’t go how they’re planned. ROTC has given me such a unique opportunity to develop myself as a leader, future soldier, and person in general.
Her Campus: So what will you be doing next year? Is there anything you’re particularly excited about?
Stephanie: I have an eight year contract, so basically I have to work for the Army for the first three years, but the remaining five I won’t have to if I don’t want to. My branch is Military Intelligence. I don’t know the details of my job yet or where I will be stationed. Also, I’m very excited about the people that I’m going to meet, work with, lead, and be led by. But I have to say, I’m really looking forward to potentially jumping out of airplanes and helicopters.