FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets dashed across rough turf lanes as they completed the Army Fitness Test in the early hours of the morning. From universities across the nation, Cadets assigned to 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, are developing their abilities as future Army officers.

As these Cadets hold their futures at the forefront, ROTC scholarships create new opportunities for students pursuing higher education.

Cadet Nathan Cooke, Mississippi State University, enrolled at MSU after going to campus for the first time and feeling at home. Joining ROTC helped add to his experience, growing him as a person while majoring in Biomedical Sciences.

“I want to be a doctor in the military,” said Cooke. “I feel like my love for science and my love for helping people, they go hand in hand. I can use that to help serve my country.”

Before finishing JROTC in high school, Cooke’s mentor shared with him the possibilities ROTC offers and the scholarship opportunities available for Cadets. Recommended by his instructor for his character, Cooke continues to demonstrate his perseverance.

“Resilience, grit and just continuing through hard times- even when things are hard- even when things go wrong, I always keep my head up,” said Cooke.

Setting down the weights, Cooke moved to the next event as Cadet Sarah Greening, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott, stepped up to the hex bar.

As a full-time student majoring in Aviation Business Administration, while currently working toward her fourth minor, one in global business, Greening will apply her studies to become a quartermaster officer. While studying at Embry-Riddle, Greening learned of the ROTC experience from her sister, but chose to wait until her sophomore year.

Once swearing into the Army, and earning a scholarship, she was grateful for the flexibility of the process as she created a new path for herself.

“It’s really encouraging,” said Greening. “If you aren’t sure that you want to join the Army like I wasn’t. You can join ROTC, still get a scholarship, and still get contracted.”

While fond of the military community fostered on campus, financial assistance allowed her to take on more responsibility. Now, she is president of the Prescott Black Sheep Rugby Football Club, and a week ago, competed in Dallas, Texas for an economics tournament.

As Cadets like Greening and Cooke are supported through their academic efforts, they can give back to their fellow Soldiers in ways that matter.

“You have to understand that the program is bigger than you, and the things you’re doing are bigger than yourself,” said Cooke. “Take that risk and go for it.”