My JROTC Room

Located inside Loveland High School, in the old stage, is the place I spent every possible moment: my JROTC room. In my two and a half years here, I had accomplished so much through this program. I held various leadership positions (i.e. staff, color guard commander, chair for ball committee; I taught two freshmen classes how to drill, I helped out at multiple volunteer organizations (i.e. hearts and horses gala, highway pickup, Veterans’ breakfast, etc); I had become a part of another family. That little room became the place of my growth and compassion. It meant everything. Since the moment high school started, JROTC became my life inside and outside of school. However with my test scores, it was impossible for me to get out of advanced classes. I was told that it was “wasting time to do mediocre classes.” Doing my best was always my motivation, pushing myself to be my best. Thus began my balance of four pre-ap classes--that would later turn into AP (and later running start)-- and my passion. Completing 7.5/24 credits my first year was not my major accomplishment, though. To me, the opportunities in JROTC showed me how problem-solving and community are my driving factors. Our accomplishments were my accomplishment.

My dad’s job opportunity halfway across the country would later be one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life, so far. I laughed, hysterically on the verge of tears, the moment I left ISC for the first time. Looking at my mom I said, “they don’t offer ap-calc, and I’m signed up for drama.” Not only did I lose my place of belonging, but now I was signed up for classes I didn’t need. I had lied back then, it wasn't just that I couldn't take ap calculus, it was how my mindset was focused on not being able to influence lives. In Colorado I had a purpose, an opportunity, it was about when not how; but now, I was starting