FORT KNOX, Ky.,  — The prickle of rope fibers digs into the hands of Cadets, assigned to Delta Company, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, as they traverse their way through the Forest Hill Climbing Complex on Fort Knox, Ky., July 9, 2025.

Pushed to face their fears while climbing on high ropes and zip-lining, pairs of Cadets must work together to complete the courses.

For Cadet Christopher King, New Mexico Military Institute, it is not fear pushing him through the obstacles, it’s his family.

King considers his grandmother to be the strongest person he knows. His grandmother, an immigrant from Haiti, brought her entire family to America in the hopes of giving them a better future.

“We’re doing exactly what she came to America for us to do,” he said.

As his role model, King credits his grandmother as the root of his religious faith, which has influenced King to want to become an Army chaplain.

“I believe in making a difference,” he said. “Just one person, out of eight billion, can make a difference, and that’s what I’m going to do—help those that need help.”

King said it was his faith in God that is keeping him going. While attending church before leaving for Basic Camp, King’s pastor made a comment on how God has a plan for everyone, which he took to heart.

“He didn’t even know, I didn’t even tell him anything,” he said. “(His sermon) was reassuring. So, I’m going to continue to walk that path, and I’m not looking back.”

It is this confidence and positivity that others notice and something his fellow Cadet Jaihao Chen, University of San Francisco, looks up to.

“King’s positivity brings me happiness.” Chen said. “To be like, ‘oh, this is not that bad,’ since King is here. I feel safe (knowing) that he’s looking out for me.”

They have known each other for less than two weeks, but in that time, they have created bonds established through their shared experiences at CST. They feel like they have known each other forever.

Chen said it is because of the positivity from those around him and the support from the Cadre that he feels like he is becoming a better person.

Similar to King, it was his family’s high expectations that influenced Chen to join ROTC.

His mother used to dream about joining the Army, something Chen points toward as one of the motivations driving him forward.

“I’m living her dream right now.” Chen said. “She gives me guidance on how I should succeed (and) how to be a proper person.”

Chen initially wanted to join the Air Force but he switched plans, turning his attention to the Army and its aviation program, saying it was the path closest to him being able to fly. It is a change Chen does not regret.

“It’s just the right fit,” Chen said. “I feel like it (has) enhanced me to be a better person, to look out for others while also exceeding my parent’s expectations.”

Though both Chen and King’s families are hundreds of miles away, the connections they are making at CST are making up for the distance.