Next Gen Leaders with Tristan

Transcript

Okay. So you’ve all seen how Jacksonville University is developing the next generation of leaders in business, healthcare, marine science, and so much more, but they’re also developing the best and brightest leaders to serve our country. That’s where Tristan comes in, a senior kinesiology major and future U.S. Marine Corps Officer. JU is home to Florida’s first NROTC unit, established more than 50 years ago. Tristan, we’re all reporting for duty. Please take it away.

– Hey, thanks for the fantastic introduction, Alex. Right outta high school, I was recruited to JU’s Division I rowing team, but even then I knew I needed a bigger challenge and wanted to improve myself every day. Through Jacksonville University’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program, commonly known as NROTC, I was given the opportunity through the Marine Scholarship and I could hear it calling my name. Since becoming a Dolphin, I’ve made great connections in and out of JU. I didn’t anticipate growing so quickly in these four years, but by combining classes, athletics, and becoming a Marine, I’ve become a stronger person, both mentally and physically. I’ve been able to develop leadership skills, and after graduating the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, I feel more than prepared to continue my path through the Marines. Back on September 1st, 1971, Jacksonville’s NROTC program began their training with 43 students. It was in fact, the first NROTC unit in Florida and the first NROTC unit to admit females into their training. NROTC students choose their major and complete the required coursework alongside naval science courses and drill sessions. When an ROTC student complete their bachelor’s degree, they’re commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy or a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. They also possess some of the skills most sought after in today’s college graduates: professionalism, discipline, honor, and commitment. The curriculum is challenging, the physical training is rigorous, and the standards are high, but I’m grateful for every day that I get to grow into a leader fit to serve this great nation. After four years at JU, I’ve learned a lot about the type of person and leader I want to become. After graduation, I’ll be off to Virginia for further training for newly commissioned officers. Thanks again for the chance to share my story. Alex, drop and give me 20.

– 19, 20. Tristan, I’ll take 20 pushups over that obstacle course any day. My hat’s off to you, sir. You will make an outstanding officer. Thank you for sharing your story, Tristan, but most importantly, thank you for serving. Take care.