Having been a part of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program throughout high school, I decided to take the next step and join the Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) in college. Before moving on, for all of those who do not know what ROTC is, it is considered an elective curriculum that prepares one with training and leadership experience that can lead to a commissioned officer position in the United States Military.
Now that I have my uniform, I walk around campus feeling very superior. Not a single day passes without hearing a remark such as "Wow, I don't know how you do it, but props to you!" Especially from my amazing sorority sisters. However, little do people know how much determination it takes to be a part of such a distinguished organization.
1. Bye-bye makeup, jewelry, and wardrobe
Trust me, it's not as hard as it sounds... never mind, I take that back. At first you will feel hideous, especially when you bump into your cute crush. However, once you get a little more into the school year and start pulling all-nighters, you will actually appreciate the fact that the next morning all you have to do is put on your uniform. You will begin to embrace your imperfections and end up saving money from all the shopping that will not be happening!
2. Rest in peace, beauty sleep
If you hate your alarm clock, you will begin to hate it even more. Whether it be PT (Physical Training) or Friday labs, the day starts early for a cadet. Formation is at 6 a.m. on the dot, so your day may start as early as 5 a.m. The sad part is that there is no time for a nap afterward, because classes await. Too bad you cannot use concealer to cover up those bags under your eyes.
3. One heck of a workout
If you love those long mile runs, push-ups, and sit-ups then ROTC is the place for you. After a high GPA, a good physical condition will be demanded. That is where PT comes into play. Some days you will be running three to four miles as the sun rises, and other days you will become an expert in push-ups and sit-ups. No need to worry; You will soon be in shape and have a great body. I guess waking up early and baggy eyes are worth it after all.
4. New pair of boots
It will take a while to get used to those desert tan combat boots and a few blisters may come included. But hey, they will become very handy on rainy days.
5. Sweating a river
If there is anything I dislike about the uniform, if anything at all, it would be how much sweat I produce while wearing it. You will sweat in places you never even thought you could. Ladies, you know how disgusting sweat is. (Confession: That sweat is sometimes kinda refreshing especially in the brutal Texas heat!) Maybe you will become a little paranoid that you may smell like onions, but it is all in your imagination. Unless you forgot to put on deodorant... then you most definitely smell like onions. My favorite question while in my uniform in 100-degree weather is, "Are you not hot in that?"
Of course, I am hot! I am actually burning up, but I have to suck it up!
6. Hair bun expert
If you ever need help with getting the perfect hair bun, then go to an ROTC girl. We are so good at them that we can do them with our eyes closed. You might even get a headache from how tightly and neatly we make them.
7. Marching: The new catwalk
Marching: Your new way of walking from one place to another. The only thing to keep in mind is that you won't be doing it by yourself. Your battalion will look great all in sync and singing cadences. Hopefully, you can keep up with those boots you are just breaking in.
8. From girl to bro
Congratulations and welcome to the brotherhood! You will be surrounded by so many guys that you will soon be one of them. No need to feel offended if you get treated as a guy, though. That means they see you as one of them, which means your skills are showing. Keep up the good work, cadet!
9. Higher expectations
Just by being a female in an Army program, the spotlight is already on us. There are many stereotypes regarding a women's involvement in the military. Well, we are here to prove those stereotypes wrong. Wearing that uniform properly, having our hair neatly tied back, following instructions with precision, and having the motivation to get physically and mentally stronger, we are already demonstrating that women are more than adequate, like men, to serve.
10. Pride to its fullest
They say that the uniform does not make you look good; you make the uniform look good. Wear it with pride, in public and out. Remember that people are always watching. I know that when I feel confident in my uniform, that is when I receive compliments. But more than that, I am setting an example, establishing a role model figure, and putting women in a high positive category. After all, I may be serving in the military soon, so why not start now?
Overall, being part of this Army lifestyle is very rewarding. People look up to you and they offer benefits such as financial aid to pay for school. I can't imagine myself not being a part of this amazing organization. You establish so many friendships and start to feel good about yourself. It may seem like you are giving your entire life up, but that is not exactly the truth. There will be days where you can look cute and go out with friends. It may not seem like it, but I actually have had more fun while being part of this program, even since high school.
My future plan, for now, is to receive my masters in Nursing and hopefully commission as an officer into the United States Army. I'd like to work as a Nurse there. It may seem like achieving my goal is far away, but it really isn't. Four years will fly and graduation will soon be around the corner. Everything I do now counts and I have to be very thankful to ROTC for pushing me and bringing out the best of me each and every day.
