FORT KNOX, Ky.– Land Navigation is one of the biggest challenges for Cadets during Cadet Summer Training (CST). But Cadet Devin Hawkins from Stephen F. Austin State University assigned to 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, embraced the challenge.

Hawkins is used to overcoming challenges as he was the first in his family to go to school. He remembers how he had to learn to be self-efficient and self-reliant through his freshman year of college alone.

“Some things I did, I didn’t really know any better, but I had to go through that to get the experience,” Hawkins said. “I got the wisdom from experience and from my less mature days to become a more mature person.”

Hawkins has taken all he has learned and overcame into every interaction he has. It all stems back to his “why”: to be successful and a good role model.

“Someone that, when people think of you, they think good thoughts of. They want to be like you. They want to take your steps,” Hawkins said. “They want your advice.They know that you work hard. You work hard for everything you have in life. That’s what a role model means to me.”

This is the mindset he has going through CST, showing up and being his best for himself, his peers and his Cadre at every event, knowing that even a little moment could inspire somebody for the rest of their life.

Hawkins understands how hard Land Nav can be and has some advice for the next Cadets doing it.

“Trust yourself, trust your cadre, and trust your competency. Tell yourself before you even start land nav, the night before, you manifest, say, I will get all my points, I’m capable of doing this. Just talk positive affirmations and come out of here and do your best. You got this.”