The Next Rank Up by Kathryn-Jane

The Next Rank Up by Kathryn-Jane - September 2013 Scholarship Essay

Pursuing a higher education is a very important part of military life.  Airmen often cannot get promoted without earning a certain degree; education is integral in all aspects of development and growth.  This institutionalized emphasis on going to school is important because those who are educated stand out and are better all around communicators.  They make better leaders, and better leaders inspire better performance.  I look up to my supervisor because he is an outstanding role-model as a student, a mentor, a family man, and friend.  Work is often very hectic and we work long hours, but despite the frequent changes in our work tempo, he holds fast in his studies and prioritizes getting his degree.  He encourages his wife to go to school; offering everything and anything he can to make their home-life easier so she can go to college without worry for the care of their children.My supervisor has taught me that an education will open many doors for me.  I believe this is true ecause when I am put up for an award, my strongest contributing factor is that I am going to school.  When I have a big test for my job, my supervisor sits and studies with me.  He holds me accountable for my success; setting up high standards.  I have him to thank because I often score the highest grades on my tests.  I recently got selected for promotion despite this year's record low statistical odds.  I know it takes a lot of self-discipline and time management to accomplish school while serving in the military, but I am doing it and I am thriving.  I feel that there is no better investment of my time.  I face challenges like frequent phsycial separation from my family, deployments, and short notice travels for assignments (which force me to live in and out of hotels and struggle to find reliable Wi-Fi), but I fight to maintain my 4.0 GPA at all costs.  I need this scholarship so I can continue to go to school and not take a break because I cannot afford my next classes.  It will be a proud moment when I get my degree and thank my supervisor for his support.