To my JROTC unit,

I remember sitting for an assembly in 8th grade. The entire class was there and we heard one of the instructors from the high school speak to us about the unit. He told us about the different teams we could join and told us all about the people we would meet. He also told us how much it would teach us and said most of us would thoroughly enjoy it. At first, I did not think doing anything military related would be up my alley, but little did I know it would become such an important part of my life.

When I started registering for classes, I started to consider what I wanted to do for the next four years during high school. I did not know if I wanted to be an athlete, thespian or a cadet. After a few weeks, I really started to think about joining a JROTC unit and becoming a part of something greater, so I registered for my first Naval Science class.

The summer before my freshman year, I had to go to the high school and meet the other instructor that helped fund the program. After meeting him, I had to get fitted for my uniform. At first, it was weird, but when I put it on, a felt a sense of pride; it made me feel good. We were informed about a Mini Boot Camp, which was a four-day training where upperclassmen train the incoming cadets the basics of the unit and introduce them to the different teams. On top of having to adjust to the difficult situations they put us through, I was pushed to my physical capacity through PT (physical training). They taught us how to pay attention to details. We had two inspections: one on uniforms and the other on our beds. Both of which had specific measurements that we had to follow. We were graded on both and earned awards if we had the least amount discrepancies. Over those four days, I met so many great people who helped me learn so much over the years. After Mini Boot Camp, I was looking forward to the new year and seeing where else the unit would go.

After my freshman year, I fell in love with the unit. I wanted to learn more and become a better leader, which I did by taking a major leadership role my junior and senior years. I participated in many teams that the unit offered and loved every second of it. I was able to meet great people from traveling from school to school for the different competitions. Most of them, I still stay in contact with.

I loved every second of it and would like to thank the people who helped me most. The unit taught me how to be more independent and learn time management because I had to balance the unit and the workload of school. I learned an extreme amount of discipline and respect by joining the unit.

Thank you to the upperclassman who taught me everything I know now and for having patience with me as I was trying to learn. I would not be the person I am today without you.

Thank you to the instructors who pushed me like no one has before. I may have done some dumb things throughout my four years in the unit, but you helped me through the toughest times in my life. You helped me better manage that and I cannot thank all of you enough.

Thank you to the other cadets who were with me. We had some hard times whether we lost a meet, or had to deal with our instructors changing every few years. You guys had the most impact on me and I thank you, again.

Lastly, thank you to the parents (mostly mine) who supported me no matter what I did. Thank you for driving me to and from meets and practices. I would not have been able to grow like I have had it not been for you.