Erin Downs

Erin Downs is a college girl just like any other. She attends classes, goes to football and basketball games, goes out on the weekends, and she loves to hang out with friends. But what sets Erin apart from other college ladies? She is also training to be a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.  Aside from the standard college experiences and requirements, she works everyday to prepare to be a member of the military when she graduates in May 2011. Her graduation from college means her commission into the Army and the beginning of a commitment to our country.

 
What made you decide to join the Army? Honestly, I’ve never known how to answer this question. I’ve just always felt like it was my path in life. It was what I wanted to do.  I decided that I wanted to be in the military in 7^th or 8^th grade. I did JROTC  in high school which is where they start teaching you about opportunities for future military careers. Like I said, I just knew I wanted to do it, so I knew I would continue into ROTC in college.

 
How did you end up In Tennessee for ROTC? I wanted to get out of Florida. I wanted to meet new people. The high school I graduated from (Cyprus Bay High) was so huge that I knew that any college I went to in Florida, I’d run into people from high school. I decided to apply to UT and The University of Alabama. When UT offered me an ROTC scholarship it seemed like a great opportunity, and I’m so happy I ended up here.
 
 
Do you feel different than other students being in ROTC in college? Of course I feel different. I don’t get to sleep in all day because I am up at 5 a.m. for physical training. Plus, on top of being a “normal” full time student, I am also training to be an Army officer. But, I wouldn’t change it for anything. I love everything that ROTC has taught me, and I can’t imagine a better way to experience college. Yeah I have to wake up early to work out, but I love that I have a steady work out schedule that keeps me in shape. I also had to devote 28 days of my summer vacation to Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), but I got to use what I have learned and show my skills to students from other schools. I played a part in upholding the great reputation of UTK ROTC. 
 
 
What are the benefits that you’ve experienced from being involved in ROTC?  I have to get up early but that also means I get all of stuff done early in the day. Being in ROTC has taught me important time management skills that I can use the rest of my life. Also, a lot of students don’t actually make it out of college in four years. The Cadres (ROTC instructors) really push you to be out in four years. We have to be full time students taking at least 12 hours on top of our ROTC classes. They push us to put more on our plate and work hard to succeed in all of our classes. On top of getting out of school “on time” I am one of the few graduates that will have a 100% guaranteed position when I graduate. Even if I don’t move straight into active duty, I will be a paid member of the Army reserve. By choice I will search for a “civilian job,” but I graduate as an employed Army officer.
 
 
What are your feelings about being commissioned as an Army officer in May? Are you nervous, excited, proud? I’m nervous that I’m going to have 40 other people’s lives in my hands. My decision affects them. As a platoon leader I’m not just going into a regular job. My actions and everything I do will affect other people lives. I’m exited, but I’m still nervous.
 
 
What does it mean to you that you will be a member of the United States Army? I’m a minority in the population. I’m one of few people, specifically one of very few women, that knew what was happening in the world and still chose to enlist and devote my life to the Army.
 

Her Campus UTK is very proud to be on the same campus as Erin and all our women in the ROTC program. You are all celebrities ladies, and we couldn’t appreciate you more!