Going through with ROTC

Paying for College
1

<p>I don't go on here often, but after reading a few threads I figured I'd give this board a try. </p>

<p>For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be in the military. I don't know what first triggered, or why, but it has always been a part of my "agenda for life", I guess you could say. Recently, I did a senior project on nurse anesthesia, and I felt that I could see myself becoming a nurse anesthetist. So, while on college visits, I picked up a Nurse Corps pamphlet at the ROTC center at Penn State; and I instantly became attracted to the program because of the benefits it offered. So, for the longest time, I've been extremely careful to stay away from trouble, in order to get the scholarship. However, going to bed early and waking up very early for training has sort of separated me from my friends. </p>

<p>Tonight, I was at a party, and I left early for the sake of going to bed. As I was saying my good-byes, and everyone was pressuring me to stay later, it clicked. At that point, I was thinking to myself, "Look at me. I'm sacrificing the best days of my life, as well as limiting my college choices, just to get some benefits, and experience a military career. Is it really worth it?" I just realized that tonight is my first time thinking of not doing ROTC or the military. I haven't been able to sleep since just thinking that the alternatives aren't so bad.</p>

<p>I guess you could say that my question is whether you think if I'm questioning myself now, do you think I should really follow through with the program? The last thing I would want to do is get myself involved into something I might not have the heart for anymore, and steal a scholarship from someone who needs it. </p>

<p>Although the scholarship would help tremendously, as well as the work experience from serving, my family wouldn't have trouble paying for my education, and I could get more than enough work experience from a city hospital after I graduate. </p>

<p>Also, if there is anyone who has actually gone through with the ROTC program [specifically Nurse Corps, if possible], do you feel like you spent time in the program that you would have rather spent elsewhere?</p>

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<p>Whoa - do you think that ROTC students don’t ever have fun or go to a party?
True they must be on good behavior - no underage drinking or illegal drugs but it’s possible to have a social life.</p>

<p>Look - the Army has a fantastic Nurse Corps and their Nurse Anesthetist program is one of the tops. If you want to be an Army Nurse and NA then go for it. People who do what they like will find their lives to be fulfilling and won’t think they are “missing” anything.</p>

<p>You sound like you are still in high school and searching for colleges - it that’s the case then know that you can try out AROTC before you are committed to serve. If you win a 4 year scholarship then you are not committed until the beginning of your second year. Yep - a “free” year, becasue the Army wants you to be sure this is what you want.
If you don’t take a scholarship - they you can be in AROTC for two years without a committment.
Good Luck.</p>

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<p>My S just commissioned through NROTC. He went to a big state u. I can say with absolute certainty that he and his friends never missed an opportunity for fun.
He burned the candle at both ends and in between. You don’t have to go to bed early every night. </p>

<p>Yes, ROTC requires committment but it doesn’t stop you from doing other stuff. In addition to school and ROTC, S also worked a PT off campus job all four years.
ROTC did not detract from his college experience. You can do it all if you really want to.<br>
The question you need to ask yourself is, have you lost interest in your military goals or are you just afraid it will prevent you from enjoying college life?</p>

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<p>My daughter just finished her 1st year in NROTC and from what she shares with me there are kids that have fun and there are kids that have FUN. :wink: Maybe you are looking for some guarantees about decisions in general - and you just aren’t going to get those whether from NROTC, college, a job or whatnot. Do we feel like we spend time time in programs we would rather spend elsewhere? We all do !!! I’m sure you will too- in NROTC and out. There is lots of time though for NROTC college kids to be “college kids” however which is a really nice plus. Staying late at the party could impact more than just your military choice- it can kill that grade for your presentation, that class, that paper- all of which you will have in college without military.</p>