I am a high school senior and debating about doing AFROTC in college at UT Austin this fall. At first I was super excited about it, but now I’m having second thoughts. I’m not on scholarship so I can back out any time, but I am afraid that I’m just “chickening out”.
I’m going in as a nursing major and am afraid that AFROTC + nursing classes are going to be too much. I’m also freaked out about boot camp and am kind of scared that I just don’t fit in as an AFROTC student. After all, I’m a girl, frizzy hair, about 5 feet tall… but not completely out of shape (I can run 2 miles as of right now).
Is it okay that I decide to no longer do AFROTC anymore? Or am I crazy/stupid for not jumping on this opportunity?
I don’t think you should feel like you have to do anything, but I also think that you should count yourself out. You’re a girl? Great! So’s one of my good friends who is at boot camp right now! Frizzy hair? I promise the people back home that you’re protecting won’t care. 5 feet tall? If they’ll accept you, I’m sure it’s with the knowledge of your height.
IMO, serving one’s country is extremely noble, and to be commended. Many relatives and friends of mine have served, and I’m always grateful to them. But you shouldn’t do something that your heart’s not in.
Can you start it and be able to back out at any time? Like try it for a semester and if it’s not for you, leave?
Everything you stated as a reason to not be involved stems back to a superficial personal insecurity. The manageability of your hair, height, and gender won’t stop you from succeeding in the program unless you let them by backing out because of those reasons.
Thanks for the advice. I realize now it’s all just insecurities. Still on the fence about committing even though I can drop out freshman year but we shall see
Try it! I am an old fart; when I look back on my life, what I regret most are the chances I didn’t take. You can drop out with no consequences? Then what have you got to lose?
You should at least try it for a year. You can leave after your freshman year with no consequences if you’re not on scholarship!
ROTC students are all types of people and look all types of ways. Your hair will be in a bun most of the time so nobody will be able to tell it’s frizzy (not that it matters), and many ROTC young women are short. If you can already run 2 straight miles you’re on track - people tell me the hardest part of the physical fitness test is the run.
Thanks guys… In the end I decided I wanted to do it for sure, but ironically found out that I am medically disqualified because I have asthma. Although its mild, I’ve been looking at the guide for medical waivers on the air force website and can see that I most likely don’t qualify thanks for the advice though!
thanks for the advice though!