My name is Cadet Tesch. I am a Junior and a POC, in the AFROTC program at the University of Columbia-Missouri, better known as Mizzou. After three years in the program, I still think that it is one of the best decisions that I have ever made! I’m kept to a higher standard than if I was not in ROTC. I’m more physically fit, more confident, and I feel that I have been afforded more opportunities than I ever thought possible. I have met many people that I’m very glad to call my friends and that I have the utmost respect for. I have learned a lot about myself, because as a POC, I am placed in charge of other cadets and I am no longer following, I am leading and it has opened my eyes to many things that I can not only take into my military career, but my life in general.

All in all, I feel such a sense of accomplishment, pride, and determination in AFROTC. I feel accomplishment in that I am on a path to join one of the world’s most elite fighting forces. I feel pride that I am part of something larger than myself, and determination to carry on with the tradition of excellence that has been laid before me.