FORT KNOX, Ky. – Overcoming an injury takes a lot of work. Not only do you have to retrain and heal the muscle, but you also have to find the confidence to get back up again.

Cadet Samuel Omojola, assigned to 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, sprained his back during the Army Fitness Test at his school, Bowie State University, right before Cadet Summer Training.

While this unexpected injury came at an inconvenient time, the right recovery and attitude allowed Omojola to go to camp with a new perspective.

“I was able to push through and I told my doctor, ‘I’m going to go to CST and I’m going to kill it and I’m going to graduate. I’m going to make this happen,’” Omojola said. “I’m excited for future things to come and I know that come graduation day, I’m going to be proud.”

Omojola is a Green to Gold cadet with prior service as a medical logistics specialist. He has been stationed in many countries including Italy and Germany. Omojola said every country he has been to inspires him to be an officer, especially because of the leaders he met along the way.

“I believe that I have a lot to offer. The Army has invested in me over the years and it’s time to give back. It’s time to lead,” Omojola said.

Omojola has a different view on leadership compared to those who might think leadership is just about being in charge. Omojola said in order to be a true leader you must understand how to be a follower first and respect others.

“Even when you lead, you should still strive to be that servant leader, to be able to serve the people that you’re leading, to be able to keep them going,” Omojola said. “Leadership is not just occupying a position; it’s about what you bring to the table with that position that you have been entrusted in to lead.”

Omojola has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is now working towards his master’s in organizational communication. With psychology being a passion of his, he has established a calm and collective mindset.

“Psychology has helped me to talk to myself, to self-regulate, self-assess, and keep myself moving and pushing,” Omojola said.

With this type of mindset, Omojola aspires to be a leader that serves everyone, and that is something he can bring to the table.