My passion for the military was unexpected. I had joined my school’s Air Force JROTC during my tenth-grade year to earn my physical education credit. However, I fell in love. I continued for the rest of my high school career, even becoming Deputy Corps Commander. Being so entranced by the program made me want to join the military. I appreciated the regimented style while inspired to give back to the country that has given so much to me, such as the freedom to share my opinions without fear. Other activities I have been a part of have other activities that have helped prepare me for a career in the military, including marching band, winter guard, and Relay for Life. While in marching band, I was Drum Major during my tenth and eleventh-grade years and Band Major during my senior year. Those roles prepared me for a career in the military. This is where I learned how to lead. I learned delegation, which helped build leadership confidence in others because they were proud of completing small tasks. While being Drum Major, I had to change my conducting if one section of the band was falling behind. I also had to change the order of rehearsal if one part of the music needed more work than the others. Being placed in a position of leadership made me comfortable talking to large groups. I could point out what students were doing wrong and respectfully tell them how they could fix it. While in winter guard, I was captain during my tenth-grade year. Since I was only in tenth grade, and half the other members were older than me, there was a problem with listening. Even though I knew what I needed to do, the older students did not want to listen because I was younger than them. Students in the program would come up to me with their problems and I would help solve them. I had many responsibilities, such as taping flags. While leading stretches, I learned to think on my feet. I was not taught a routine to follow during stretches, so I thought of different stretches on the spot. Walking around during practice like I knew what I was doing commanded respect. One lesson I learned from being Winter Guard Captain is that students must have fun in practice; otherwise, practice will be unproductive. All of these skills I acquired have prepared me to be a better member of the military. I was also the University of South Carolina Upstate’s Relay for Life Junior Class Representative for the Scholars Academy. Relay for Life is a wonderful cause that helped me give back to my community, which is what I aim to do in the military. I attended meetings and coordinated activities. I talked to representatives of all types from around our area, so I am very comfortable talking to people I do not know to get a job done. For fundraisers, I gathered my cohort and took the ideas of the students, putting them all together into an activity they would enjoy. Ultimately, I want to be an officer in the military. I have done many activities that have prepared me to lead others while serving my country. Confidence, responsibility, and communication are only a few of the many skills I learned that will transfer into my career. JROTC has fueled my passion for our country. Now I want to make this country a better place.