Anna Mills

While the sun is still down, the early bird Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students arrive in the parking lot for their 7:30 a.m. class. Even though the sky has yet to fully wake, the students in Major Farese’s class are excited for class to begin. Junior Ally Smith starts her day off in her favorite class.

“It’s a ground school. We learn about aerospace, getting our private pilot’s license, and learn about finance,” Smith said.

Like many students, Smith is taking advantage of the many benefits that the military offers.

“I plan to [attend] basic training and then enlist in the Air Force. Then I will let them pay for my degree and be a forensics nurse within the Air Force, meaning that I won’t have any student loans to pay off,” Smith said.

Throughout the year, Smith has participated in opportunities to advance her knowledge of leadership and discipline that will prepare for a future in the military.

“The thing that prompted me to become interested in the military was JROTC as well as going through the Cadet Leadership Course at the Citadel…where we did exercises, marksmanship, obstacle courses, and aerospace training,” Smith said.

Taking advantage of these opportunities is a step forward for Smith’s career plans past high school. Seeking affordable options for education is being sought out by many.

Balancing a stressful schedule as well as having the desire to enlist in a rigorous program takes a person that is motivated and self-sufficient. Major Farese sees many students take a similar route; however, he notices Smith’s potential as a future leader.

“She is exemplary,” Farese said. “I would say she’s almost the perfect Wando student. She looks forward to doing things with us and always wants to excel.”