FORT KNOX, Ky. – A plan no matter how good or bad can often get thrown out the window. It’s a part of life and can often lead to some of the most interesting or unexpected outcomes. For Cadet Isabella Hartman, a Minnesota State University – Mankato student, assigned to 1^st Regiment, Basic Camp, this couldn’t be truer. Ever since a high school recruiter came into one of her classes, she has wanted to join Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. However, she found herself waiting.

“First they told me 12 months and then they told me 16 months and then they told me 24 months,” said Hartman.

Upon entering college, the wait time fluctuated so much that Hartman began planning to join after college. Yet, everything changed in January. After two years, she discovered the wait was over. Hartman ended up contacting her old high school recruiter who helped get her sworn into the National Guard and set up at her college’s ROTC program in May.

Before swearing in, she was told that she would be heading to camp. Although after swearing in, she was told there weren’t enough spots in Basic Camp.

“I was driving to work one morning, and I got a call saying, ‘hey the spot opened, you’re leaving in 20 days’,” Hartman recalled.

After finding out, Hartman found herself preparing for camp with little training or gear. Thankfully, she arrived at Cadet Summer Training with most of what she needed and some preparation.

“I started panicking a little bit there, but otherwise, it was fine once I got here and I talked to people,” says Hartman.

Due to the short notice on both accounts, Basic Camp happened to be Hartman’s first ROTC experience. Being at camp so far has helped introduce her to the ROTC world and confirm what she expected from the experience.

As graduation nears, she looks forward to seeing her family as their support really means a lot. She knows that some of her family don’t fully understand or agree with her decision but is glad that they are there and happy for her.

“My mom never did military or anything, but she was my biggest role model and supporter in life. She’s my best friend, even though she doesn’t fully agree that I’m here and everything. She’s very supportive and she’s like ‘I’m happy you’re doing what you want to do with your life and I’m happy that you’re following what you believe that you should do’,” Hartman expressed.

For Hartman, having the chance to hopefully go into the medical side of the military and follow in her family’s medical career footsteps means a lot. So, as she embarks on this journey, she’s learned how to better prepare herself for the future and Advanced Camp, reflecting on where she started.

“I couldn’t join for two years and now here I am,” said Hartman, “It’s kind of a motivating factor for me to just keep going.”