Resilience in Uniform by kristin

Resilience in Uniform by kristin - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

A moment when I discovered a new strength in myself was while balancing the demands of school and ROTC. Managing rigorous coursework alongside ROTC and strict expectations pushed me beyond what I thought I could handle. There were times when exhaustion and stress made me question whether I could succeed in both areas at once. There were a time when assignments, exams, and ROTC duties all seemed to peak at ounce. I felt stretched thin and unsure if I could meet every expectation without letting something slip. Instead of stepping back, I learned to organize my time more intentionally, prioritize my responsibilities, and hold myself accountable both in and out of uniform.

Through this experience, I discovered my strength in discipline and resilience. ROTC taught me how to lead by example, stay focused under pressure, and persevere even when things felt overwhelming. Academically, I became more efficient and purposeful with my time, knowing that others depended on me and that my goals required commitment. This balance shaped my personal growth by showing me that I can thrive in structured, high responsibility environments.

This discovery changed how I view obstacles- now I see them as opportunities to grow rather than limits to my abilities. That strength continues to guide me as I take on new challenges, both in and out of uniform.