Rickie Plaisir
I initially joined Junior ROTC to get out of gym class, but it was much different than I expected. It was actually more physically demanding and disciplined than gym, and I even had to wear a uniform.
But something about it was more interesting. It was empowering to feel like a part of a team, and I started taking it more seriously than I ever expected.
But it was one day, during a 9/11 ceremony, I started seeing the Army in a new light. Over three thousand students lined the walls and the balconies of my school. My whole community was there, including firefighters and service members from every military branch. The silent show of respect for this country was deafening.
I was now determined to defend this nation that I called home, to not only be a citizen but a Soldier as well.