Leadership & Decision-making
In the turbulent journey from a civilian juggling three jobs to eventually becoming a cadet with aspirations of leading in the military, one of the most critical career competencies I honed was leadership and decision-making. This skill isn’t just about barking orders; it’s about setting an example, making tough choices, and inspiring others to follow suit. My journey started when I was working those three jobs. The challenges were relentless – managing my time, prioritizing tasks, and handling difficult situations. It was there that I first realized the importance of making decisions swiftly and decisively. I had to decide which job to prioritize, which tasks could wait, and how to communicate effectively with my employers. Through this, I learned that leadership isn’t just about having a title; it’s about taking responsibility and making decisions that impact not only you but those around you.
Fast forward to my transition into an Army vet tech role, and the stakes were higher. My role required me to make critical decisions about the health and well-being of animals under my care. In this context, the leadership aspect involved not only making decisions but also assisting my team and fostering collaboration. For instance, when faced with a service dog under anesthesia during surgery, I had to ensure safety, make quick assessments, and make decisions that could mean life or death for the animal. It was through these experiences that I truly understood the gravity of leadership in high-pressure situations. My ability to make decisions and lead effectively evolved, and I began to recognize the profound impact it had on the outcomes of the tasks at hand. As I now prepare to become a future leader in the Army, I carry these lessons with me, knowing that leadership is not about rank but about the ability to inspire and guide others to achieve a common goal.
Adaptability & Resilience
Transitioning from a civilian with multiple jobs to an Army vet tech and, finally, to a cadet seeking to become a leader in the military has demanded unwavering adaptability and resilience. In this life changing journey, I learned that adaptability goes beyond just coping with change; it’s about embracing it and thriving amidst the chaos. My transformation from civilian to Army vet tech was marked by a significant shift in roles, responsibilities, and environments. One moment, I was working 3 jobs as a civilian, and the next, I was in the midst of military training, caring for animals in an entirely different context. It was a stressful environment, and I had to quickly adapt to the new protocols, routines, and expectations. Learning to handle the emotional toll of patients and keep an empathetic outlook on our service animals was especially challenging. Through this experience, I honed my adaptability by constantly reassessing my approach and finding new ways to excel in my role.
Resilience became my constant companion during this journey. The rigors of military training, the long hours, and the physical and mental demands tested my limits. I faced moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, but I never gave up. Instead, I embraced each setback as an opportunity to grow stronger. There have been multiple moments where there were grueling training exercises that pushed us to our limits. Despite the exhaustion and discomfort, I pushed through, knowing that my resilience would see me through. This ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain focus on my goals has been invaluable. Now, as I pursue my goal of becoming a future leader in the Army, I carry with me the view that adaptability and resilience are not just competencies but life skills that allow us to face adversity and thrive forward.