The Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program is an ROTC program for high school students ranging from all of the branches of the military. The students get involved in leadership training, extra-curricular activities, and social activities. Over 900 high schools nationwide offer these programs to give their students an opportunity to bring service to their communities, have a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, and become better citizens. (Source name)In my last year of junior high, I was given the chance to join the Air Force JROTC program in my school but unfortunately I didn’t apply for it the first time. Becoming a high school student also pressured me into choosing which program, organization, or a club to be dedicated towards in order to have experience in positions of responsibilities to build my character and leadership skills. Advice from my parents and upperclassmen gave me a broad range of possibilities for getting involved in my community, but a letter came to my house that got my attention. It contained information about the Air Force JROTC program from my school that changed my decision to become a student (cadet) of that program.

JROTCs from different branches and schools give different benefits to their cadets, and now as a Crescenta Valley Air Force JROTC cadet, the program gives me more than enough of what I want in a program. Every student, starting from freshman year, is given a leadership role and responsibilities to keep the student-run program going. It also gives students opportunities to take part in community service, whether it is a JROTC event or to help an organization outside or inside of school. Although the program is teaching and giving me leadership positions and service opportunities it has also given me life-lasting friendships with the fellow cadets, a family-like bond.

As a high school student, one has to pave the way towards one’s future. The JROTC program can help guide its cadets to shine in their future as leaders and know what it takes to be a person of character. It is not required for a cadet to go into the military when they graduate, but it is guaranteed that they will get something from the program that will make them a better person.

<Christina Chung,Crescenta Valley High School 11th >