Mrs. Maryland Black United States JROTC Leadership Scholarship

I remember when I first joined JROTC, and had just thought it would just be another class I took just to earn credits and move on. But as time went on, JROTC was way more than just that. It wasn’t just a class, or a program to me; it was a family. It was a place where I was supported by so many people, who had also taught me what it meant to lead and serve. Through this experience, I have grown so much, and would never take what I learned from granted, because with these lessons , it has guided me to work and make a real difference in my community and far beyond. Before I joined JROTC I had assumed that leadership was just being the loudest person in the room, or just being in charge of something all the time. But after I joined the program, it was the complete opposite. Real leadership is about showing up for your team all the time, making sure to listen, and uplift them, especially when they need you the most. I watched my instructors and fellow cadets lead with patience, kindness, and care. I would see them giving up their free time to help others, whether it was to organize an event, fundraise, or to just solve problems, they always made sure things would run smoothly even when there was a lot of pressure on them. They taught me what kind of leader I want to be, and inspired me to step up not just for myself but for others too. Being apart of JROTC has given me so many first hand experience of what true service is, whether it would be to volunteer at events like the Raiders meet, and giving back as much as I can, I was able to meet people who work hard, not just for the recognition or the awards but simply because they cared. Being able to help out at the events made me feel a part of something bigger than myself. Though there were times when I had struggled, I had people a part of the program who had helped me when I had doubted myself, and had taught me to push past those dark times, and be proud of who I am. Through being a part of this program I have learned to be resilient, and no matter how many setbacks success will come through perseverance. I learned that being a good leader isn’t about being perfect, especially not trying to be towards others, but it was about having the ability to grow, learn from mistakes, and listen when there is feedback given even if it is tough to take in. Moving forward, I want to use everything that I have learned to make a beneficial effect. I plan on mentoring young students in the future, just how I was mentored into greatness. I will give back through service projects in my neighborhood, like food drives which I had volunteered on before, community clean ups, and more youth programs, to use my leadership skills in my career to be able to help others. JROTC has shown me more than just army values but has taught me how to be a good leader, and always to serve my community. And to make sure that people are being seen, heard, and cared for. Which is exactly what type of leader I will be , whether in my community, my future career, or wherever life takes me. I will never forget the values I have been taught through this great community.