For a final school project, I had the honor of filming and interviewing my schools ROTC Cadets. ROTC stands for Reserve Officer's Training Corps, which is a program students get involved in if they want to go into the U.S military after they graduate from college.
This year is the 100th-anniversary of ROTC and it was awesome to be able to be immersed in that world for a whole week. I learned a lot about the program, like how organized and well time-managed each and every cadet has to be in order to get all their school and other activities finished.
I was shocked with how active all these cadets are. They are involved in Fraternities and Sororities, some are even on the boards of them. Others are involved in sports or clubs, part-time and full-time jobs, and they all are very active in community service and helping others.
I know some people might think well, that doesn't seem like that much, but when you are going to school full time, training to be in the army, which entails work outs and physical tests at 6:00 a.m. three days a week, that's a lot of work!
The one common thing I noticed, in all the cadets I interviewed and interacted with, was that they are all doing ROTC to help themselves, but also, in the end, to help protect our country. I couldn't be more proud to know these men and women who are going to keep me and our country safe after they graduate.
To be able to make that dedication so young, with such a strong commitment to their own education and their country just makes me ecstatic, and I hope others feel the same when they see these cadets on campus.
When interviewing some of the cadets I asked each of them what ROTC has helped them do with school and learning about life. The most common response was that it has helped them stay focused on their commitments and know how to manage their time, so they are able to do everything they said they would do and accomplish.
The one thing I love about this program, and the cadets do as well, is the fact that they are a family. This isn't just something you do to get in shape, or learn about the army, or get scholarships so you can go to school. This group is a family. They treat each other with respect, kindness, helpfulness, and friendship.They are always looking out for each other and making sure everyone is getting the help they need.
As a woman going into the news field I know that there are a lot of bad things that happen in our world, but being around the cadets reminded me of the reason I chose this career path. I chose this career path to tell these stories that are so heartwarming and to remind the world that there are people out here who want to make a difference. That's what each and every one of these cadets are doing, whether they know it or not.
They are waking up at the break of dawn to learn what they need to about protecting their country. They go to class every day dedicated to learning more and accomplishing their goals and they deserve praise. They deserve the thank you I gave them every time one of them was willing to do an interview with me. They deserved the time I gave to them to try and tell people their amazing stories.
These students deserve so much more than I was able to give them, but I hope that sharing their stories will help others be aware about how much they give to others so selflessly.
I know at times I really question my generation, and if we will be able to do what we need to do to keep our country running and safe. These students reminded me we have nothing to worry about. I am very humbled by the fact that I was able to get to know so many of them on a personal level, because they all are truly inspiring.
Every college has a story, but the one story I want people to know at Washington State University is the one about these Cadets. I want students to see them and smile or just shout out a thanks. We all make a difference and showing these cadets our support will really change their day in a way you probably never thought. It reminds them their decision to one day put their lives on the line for us, is completely worth it.
So, I challenge each and every one of you, whether on another campus or at WSU, if you see a cadet just say thanks. You will make their day, and help the safety of our country.
To all the ROTC cadets reading this, thank you so much! Whether I personally know you from one of our interviews or you are going to college at a completely different school thank you for saying "I will". Thank you for one day putting your life on the line for me and my loved ones.
Thank you for your comittment to this country and your education. You are truly inspiring and I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors, I know you will do amazing things!
