"Presenting My Journey: The Story Behind My 9 Distinct Uniforms" There is a time-honored strategy to earn respect and feel confident everywhere: dressing in uniform. A uniform looks professional; it represents commitment, service, and honor. A uniform projects a sense of safety. It is no surprise that so many romance novels include loving a man in uniform. But, according to President Eisenhower, “When you put on a uniform, there are certain inhibitions that you accept.” With each uniform comes a sacred oath to serve others. As someone with nine uniforms, I understand the importance of each oath, each obligation, and most importantly, the responsibilities necessary to wear each uniform with pride. I serve in three rewarding volunteer organizations: Boy Scouts of America, Civil Air Patrol, and the Basking Ridge Fire Company and First Aid Squad. Boy Scouts presented me with my 1st uniform—my Scout Class A uniform—and with it came my first oath. Since the age of eight, I have learned specific skills and gained practical knowledge, which have helped me become a better man. When I hiked Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with no trail blazes, I was challenged with navigating the wilderness with just a map and compass. I can also rescue accident victims deep in the wild and even bake a pineapple upsidedown cake for an entire troop with only an open fire. I realized the excitement that accompanies earning ranks. When I reached the final celebrated rank of Eagle Scout, I felt an unquenchable thirst for more. That feeling led me to join the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), where I obtained my 2nd uniform, the Airman Battle Uniform, and my 3rd uniform, the CAP Blues. Upon joining CAP, I took the Cadet Oath and began striving to rank up. Just one year after I joined, I had earned the first 4 ranks, boosting me from Phase 1 of Enlisted Airman ranks into Phase 2, Non-Commissioned Officer, leadership ranks. I can now march in unison with hundreds of fellow cadets, and fly search and rescue missions. Both Boy Scouts and CAP drove my ambitious nature and fed my hunger for personal growth, achieving ranks, and earning honors. My last five uniforms are from my local volunteer fire department and my high school marching band. I strut in my 4th uniform when I play percussion with the school marching band. I waited patiently until age 16 to join the Fire Department. After I was sworn in, I recited another oath of service and received my 5th and 6th uniforms—my EMS field uniform, and my Class B dress uniform. The firehouse quickly became my second home, and soon I began to tackle new challenges and gain additional responsibilities. I engaged in classes like Swiftwater Rescue Operations training, which rewarded me with my 7th uniform—the Swiftwater Rescue suit—preparing me for all water rescues. Similarly, I engaged in Heavy Vehicle Extrication training, where I learned how to cut open flipped school buses and lift truck trailers off of cars. This earned me my 8th uniform—Extrication Gear, which protects against sharp materials encountered when on a collision scene. I use my 9th uniform—Firefighter Turnout Gear—to shield me from heat while fighting fires. Each uniform represents my desire to serve, my commitment to training, and my obligation to protect my community. My nine uniforms provide the impetus for my next goal: earning the 10th. I look back on my character development from a young age to today. Each lesson, each oath, and each skill has contributed to the young man I am proud to be. My 10th uniform is still to be determined. Yet I know I will wear this uniform and each subsequent uniform with heartfelt gratitude, and I will use the knowledge I gained from my first nine uniforms to humbly live my life in service and excellence.