FORT KNOX, Ky.- Even though Cadet Nathan Messano initially joined Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps to help pay for college, he came out with priceless experiences that changed his life forever.

When he joined the Army ROTC program at University of Colorado, Colorado Spring, his freshman year, there were some tough moments he had to overcome but he noticed that ROTC gave him a lot of unique opportunities and experiences.

Messano recalls one of the first biggest challenges of his ROTC career during his freshman year spring field training exercise. He was a scrawny 19 year-old kid and the exercise was very physically and mentally challenging. Messano had to keep the end goal in his mind to keep going.

“The clear goal in mind was that I want a better future,” Messano said. “I want the career that I want. I want to make a difference.”

Some of the lessons Messano has had to learn through his time in the program are perseverance, empathy, compassion.

“There’s a lot of tough challenges that you have to complete, and if you don’t have that grit, then sadly enough you’re not gonna be fit enough to do what needs to be done or you’re not gonna pass the task,” Messano said.

He plans on using these lessons and embedding them into his future leadership style.

Drawing inspiration from the good and bad leaders in his life, Messano wants to show up as a leader who lends a listening ear or a helping hand.

“I may be your leader and you guys may have to listen to me and I may have to put my foot down, but at the end of the day, if you truly need me, you can come to me and talk to me,” Messano said.

Leadership is important to Messano and with the help of Cadet Summer Training, he was able to gain the experience of being a Platoon Leader during 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp’s Warrior Skills on July 29, 2026.

With the experience of being a Platoon Leader, Messano has learned to be more comfortable and outgoing.

“ROTC over the three years has really shown me that I got to use my voice,” Messano said. “I have to be steady.”