FORT KNOX, Ky – Completing the land navigation event during advance camp is an accomplishment in itself. The land navigation event challenges cadets to find four points within a time limit using a compass, map and coordinates.

Cadet Melanie Briceno was able to find all four check points on the land navigation event, ultimately passing the event on the second day.  

For Briceno, as a first generation student she believes it is key to come into Cadet Summer Training (CST) with a positive mindset when facing difficult events like land navigation.

“My motivation is just take it day by day, it’s kind of embracing the suck,” said Briceno. 

Keeping her goals in perspective has helped Briceno stay motivated.

As a criminal justice and spanish major she is working towards becoming a military police officer, hoping to work with canines, and in the future transferring to the Adjutant General branch. 

Working toward her goals is not only about her own success, but the success of her family. She believes in giving back to those who gave to her. 

“My parents were immigrants. They gave us a lot, so I wanted to kind of return that favor,” Briceno said. “I have two younger siblings so coming here and being able to provide for my family and being able to show that immigrants don’t just come here to work as a first generation student makes me very proud.”

After CST, Briceno plans to shadow a second lieutenant in South Korea, at Camp Humphreys.

Looking ahead to the rest of CST, Briceno says,“we’re all going to graduate and these people you meet here, you’re probably not going to see them in a long time from now, so just enjoy them while you have them.”