As a Freshman fresh out of high school, I never really understood the importance of the Corps of Cadets. Sure, I knew it was one of the best senior military schools in the nation, but at the time all of that didn’t really matter. The Corps was just a check in my long list of to do’s I needed to complete in order to become an officer. Becoming a commissioned officer in the Unites State’s Army -- that’s all that truly mattered. Everything else were just things that needed to get done. It wasn’t until I was away from the Corps that I realized this organization is far more than a mere check.

Besides my college experience in China, my whole college career has been military focused. My time at UNG has always consisted of wake up formations, closed weekends, summer training and people always telling me what to do. Some days, I would wake up asking myself why the hell I chose to put myself through this. Other days, the thought of anything Corps related would make me cringe and roll my eyes. I never understood that the Corps is far more than an organization that likes to make my life miserable and take away my weekends.

While I was in China, I had a lot of time to reflect back on the person I once was and the person I am today. I was completely on my own with complete strangers. In China there were no rules, no taps, no uniforms, no details and all of my weekends were free. I countless reasons to reassure me the civilian path was a lot more fun than the cadet path. However, being away from my norm made me realize how much I truly enjoy being a cadet. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have had the maturity or the courage to go across the world to see a new place and experience a new culture. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have had the charisma I know have to allow me to make connections that may one day help me get my dream job.

The values I lived my life by that made other foreigners look at Americans as hard workers, loyal friends, selfless and respectful human beings were all values the Army and the Corps have instilled in me. Now that I am once again back to my normal life as a cadet, I wake up thankful and feeling blessed. It took me a whole semester away from home to realize how important the Corps is.

The Corps is an opportunity to better yourself. It’s a new family and a way of life that changes someone for the better. It’s the symbol of where hard work and dedication can get you. It’s an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It breaks you and the builds you back up, and it transforms you into a leader. It’s a legacy we’ll always be a part of. Yeah, sometimes it sucks, but when looking at the bigger picture, there is no other place I would rather be at.