At Polytechnic High School, the ROTC program gives students a chance to explore leadership, teamwork, and discipline in a way that many of their peers don’t expect. A lot of students don’t realize how much they might actually enjoy the program until they try it. Most people only know ROTC as the class where students wear uniforms, but the interviews show it is much more than that. When asked questions like “What’s your name, what grade are you in, what’s your pathway, why did you join ROTC, what’s your favorite thing about it, and would you want this as a career?” Each student gave a different perspective that highlights the variety within the program.
Freshman Nayla Williams joined because ROTC sounded more interesting than regular PE, and she enjoys the freedom the class gives her. Junior Jacob Luce didn’t even plan to join but it was placed in his schedule and once he experienced the community and the activities, he decided to stay. Alexander Peena shared that he joined to challenge himself, and his favorite part is Raiders, a competitive physical team that pushes students to their limits. All three responded to the career question differently, showing how ROTC can be a possible future for some, while still giving others valuable experiences even if they don’t plan on joining the military.
Coach Tyrone Hines, a retired U.S. Army veteran, also answered a separate set of questions, including “What branch were you in, what do you enjoy about teaching ROTC, how do you feel after retiring, and do you have any advice for your students?” He explained that his favorite part is building strong relationships with motivated cadets who push him to give 110% every day. He hopes that students leave the program as better leaders whether they choose college, the workforce, or the military. His message to all cadets is simple: don’t give up. Programs like ROTC often go unnoticed, but these interviews show that it offers opportunity, community, and growth for any student willing to give it a chance.