FORT KNOX, Ky.— Cadet India Stephen, Tuskegee University, 7th Regiment, stood behind her squad mate, cheering him on as he completed the Army Fitness Test. Courage is tried and tested in the Army. For Cadets like Stephen, the test begins in ROTC.

Beneath the cover of darkness, the regiment pushed their bodies to the limit. Striving to prove themselves as warrior-ready, Stephen began building her squad’s confidence right away.

“Everybody is tired and drained,” she said. “We all have different mindsets about it, but you have to keep pushing through.”

After recovering from the plank event, Cadets moved up to the starting line of the track. The most demanding event of the AFT, the two-mile run is a lengthy obstacle. Stamina will get you across the finish line. A great mindset, however, helps Cadets maintain a powerful stride.

“We pushed each other because we had talked before,” she said. “Through your weaknesses and strengths, you want to push people to do their best.”

Stephen didn’t focus on the winding track in front of her. Instead, it signaled a final opportunity to increase her test score and lead those around her. Keeping away negative thoughts, she channeled a positive mindset.

Stephen returned to CST, approaching Advanced Camp with confidence. Experiences of the past in Basic Camp helped her to encourage others, avoiding negative thought patterns.

“Cadre at Basic Camp, and my peers, poured a lot of knowledge and positive energy into me,” said Stephen. “I carried the motivation on to my peers during Advanced Camp.”

Cadre at Advanced Camp recognize the many qualities a Cadet should have. Capt. George Womack, assistant professor of military science at Sienna College, evaluated Cadets during the two-mile run as they completed their laps.

“Motivation is the key in everything they do,” he said. “Their self-confidence is important for pushing others as a future leader.”

Her positivity was something she worked toward even before joining ROTC. After high school, Stephen considered her future. She considered the challenges of a lecture environment, but the Tuskegee legacy and pursuit of higher education gave her the courage to enroll.

“I am glad that I entered college and eventually Army ROTC,” she said. “It’s been a great path.”

She currently studies business supply chain management and works as an entrepreneur on campus. Recognizing the call of a leader as a civilian, she joined the ROTC program to expand areas of her leadership that needed focus. It’s a choice she remains confident in.

“My program has given me courage,” Stephen said. “It’s given me the strength to keep going, to be confident, to be present.”

Merging her experiences of managing a business alongside her leadership role as a Cadet, Stephen hopes to branch into quartermaster logistics.

Maintaining motivation is one of the many tests not evaluated on paper. In the classroom or the field, having the courage to be a beacon of positivity can level up those around you.