All high school students are trying to find their place in the world. Whether this struggle is personal or academic depends on each student’s individual circumstances, but—for some students—the preparatory military programs offered in American high schools can be a refuge from both.
For 16-year-old Jacqueline Garcia, the JROTC program provides an eye-opening experience that now offers her a potential option for a career after high school.
“I am interested in the military a little bit,” said Jacqueline, who wants to become a nurse. “I am still deciding which branch, but I think I am more into the Army.”
Jacqueline has always felt the drive to help people, and those in her community. She frequently volunteers with the JROTC program by cleaning up pollution in the nearby lake.
Fueled by her passion for helping others, she has been a part of JROTC since her sophomore year at L.G. Pinkston High School in Dallas. High school students can join the program within their community to get a feel for the military before needing to decide whether to enlist. It allows adolescents to experience the rigor and hardships of the military.
“I hope to become involved with my country,” Jacqueline said. “To step out of my comfort zone to become a better me, a new me.”
Early in Jacqueline’s high school career, a drill sergeant from the Pinkston JROTC came and spoke to a group of students, informing them of the many opportunities available through the program. She became interested when she realized that she could follow in his footsteps and devote herself to helping others. It was then that Jacqueline realized that she could become a part of something bigger than herself.
Jacqueline also enjoys a wide range of artistic forms such as music, art and other outlets of creative expression. In addition to JROTC, she participates in both drill team and color guard, holding the Texas flag at all football games and flipping rifles in the air.
Recently, she has also begun to nurture a passion for photography.
“I love photography because of how you can make something that you wouldn’t see typically in the real world, you can make your own world through photography and editing,” she said.
The contrast between the freedom of art and the discipline of JROTC help define Jacqueline.
The structure of the military allows her participate in something larger than herself in service of something she believes in without the social pressure of less-structured organizations.
While others find the rigor of JROTC restricting, Jacqueline finds it well within her comfort zone as well as something new and exciting. She says that JROTC gives her structure, work ethic, physical and mental strength, patriotism, service and community values.
She looks forward to the many experiences she will have while serving her country, traveling the world and helping people.
