Now that I am living in my adulthood, I often think back and reminisce on the days of my High School days while attending Southwest Dekalb High School. I can remember starting High School in the 9th grade and wanting to become more active in school and join my peers in various activities. I had developed a passion for the military, especially because my grandfather served active duty for over 20 years. As a result I joined the N.J.R.O.T.C. program. By my senior year due to my exceptional leadership skills, I was promoted as a Lieutenant Commander. Holding this position changed my life in so many ways, and shaped me to become the man I am today.
As Lieutenant t Commander I held the position as Company Commanding Officer (CO), it was my duty to overseer two platoons. Each platoon was comprised of approximately 30 students ranging in various ages from 9th graders to 12th graders. I remember this time period of my life ever so clearly, mainly because of all the sacrifices made, which would later play an important role in my adulthood. I can remember taking necessary actions in order to fulfill my duties as CO. Every Thursday of each week I was required to wear my R.O.T.C. uniform to school, and I had to make sure I was appropriately dressed from head to toe, including wearing my medals. I was most proud of wearing the medal I received from the Secretary of the Navy for my outstanding leadership skills.I also remember staying after school each day for two hours to practice drills with each of the two platoons. At drill practice I was in charge of calling out orders informing all other students of commands. Together we practiced drills such as Right Face, About Face, Forward March, in order to prepare ourselves for future Drill Competitions. In addition, just like the military we too had to stay in great physical shape. In doing so we completed hours of physical training. Among various exercises my favorites were grass crawling, monkey bars, running, situps and pushups. Although being joining the R.O.T.C. was challenging at some points , I really enjoyed the opportunity and I am proud to say that I was apart of the experience.
Completing the role of Company Commanding Officer has played a major role in my life in many ways. For instance my work ethics have been derived from this experience. Approximately one year ago I became unemployed from the work force, and struggled for about one year until I awarded a new job position. During my unemployment phase I was faced with many difficult situations, and had to often times make necessary sacrifices in order to survive. Living through unemployment was very challenging, but I pushed my way though much like I did as a Luetienent Commander. As a result, I was able to sharpen my professional skills each time I was awarded the opportunity for an interview. I often times prepared for interviews while standing in front of the mirror dressing myself from head to toe, making sure I dressed in a professional manner. I recalled the many times I dressed in uniform for R.O.T.C., as I dressed myself in suit and tie, sharp as a whistle. Once I landed a job position, I remember feeling like I had achieved and reached my goal, much like I did once I finally achieved the Lieutenant Commander rank.
Today my personality is one that is driven and well rounded. I always see myself as a leader and never a follower. I always take initiative at work or in my personal life when it comes to getting things done. When I was working at this company called Southeast Pet, I was Inventory Coordinator with 15 employees under me. That brought back old times of when I was the Company Commanding Officer of my company. My boss thought I was in the Military before because of how my personality was and the way I ran my shift. So me be in ROTC has made me a leader for a lifetime at whatever I do and where ever I’m at.
The positive impacts of me being in ROTC for my health is that I know how to stay in shape or know how to get in shape. When I run on the treadmill at the gym I sing out military songs like we did when we use to run on the track during PT. Whenever I’m in a situation that I do not want to be in my discipline skills that I learned in ROTC helps me get through any situations. When dealing with stress to cope I go to the 30 minute obstacle course, much like I did when completing physical training.