FORT KNOX, Ky. – From a childhood dream, to Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, to being in basic camp, Cadet Hailey Underwood from Georgia Military College assigned to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, has been preparing for the Army her entire life.

Growing up was not the easiest for her. After a family falling out, she grew up without her mom, making her dad the one to take care of her and her younger brother. She says her dad has always been her biggest supporter and provider and is so proud of her and the future she is paving for herself.

She does not let her childhood stifle her growth though, using everything she has been through as motivation to continue forward.

“It caused me to be who I am today and it made me want to push myself and never be somebody like that,” Underwood said. “I want to strive for something way better than I could even imagine.”

Underwood started her military career in high school, where she joined JROTC. She joined the program her sophomore year and ended being battalion executive officer her senior year of school.

Now, at Cadet Summer Training, Underwood is learning through new experiences and challenges, gaining understanding of how to improve herself as a person and a leader.

“Everybody knows they have weaknesses and strengths and coming here has made me realize I do have weaknesses and I’m able to work on that and that’s the best part,” Underwood said.

Even though her Army journey just started, she says she is excited and looking forward to what college and ROTC has for her. Despite how difficult the process might be, she is optimistic about the end goal.

“You got to think about the end prize to all of this, you will get a reward, pain is temporary and so is the uncomfortable feeling of this,” Underwood said. “It will be done anytime, you just got to count it down and embrace the suck.”