FORT KNOX, Ky. – Every story has a beginning and for every chapter there’s a start. It isn’t always clear, but we all eventually discover where we find our story. The purpose of what we want in life and how we came to that decision. For every cadet attending Cadet Summer Training, the reason for coming and why they joined their college’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps varies.

“I’ve always wanted to serve ever since I was a little girl,” said Cadet Jessica Pham, a University of Houston student, assigned to 5^th Regiment, Advanced Camp.

Pham’s drive to join the Army was influenced by her passion for wanting to help people and knowing that this opportunity was available to her. As a 1^st generation student to immigrant parents, Pham found her experience at a young age to be foundational.

“I loved being that gateway for my parents to make them feel more comfortable when they’re uncomfortable, [especially] where they have a language barrier. Just knowing I could help my parents but also other people as well and making them feel just a little bit safer, meant a lot to me,” expressed Pham.

Discovering this barrier often in a medical environment, Pham found an interest in not only helping through communication but in a physical way as well. She hopes in her Army future that she can branch medical services and one day become a physician’s assistant. CST is helping her to develop the skills necessary to follow her dreams of taking care of people throughout the country, whether it be soldiers or civilians.

“My CrossFit coach told me before I came here to ‘Dig deep, no matter if this is something you’ve done before or not, it’s gonna be hard, it’s not gonna be easy’,” Pham recalled.

Reflecting on her time at CST Advanced Camp, she discovered that her summer experiences have taught her a lot. Letting her push her limits and learn not only new skills but more about herself. At camp she discovered her favorite training was being out in the field, with the camaraderie and people being the best part. Pham enjoyed working together as a team with her fellow cadets and found communication to be a necessary skill through the training. From what she has learned, she hopes to return to school with that newfound knowledge and share the summer experience with her peers and mentees. Looking forward to what the future holds.

“I’m ready to seal the deal, close it off, and finish strong,” said Pham.

With camp graduation approaching, she finds herself at a milestone in her life that marks the end of one adventure leading to the next. Going into the next phase of her life, Pham expressed that she is surrounded by the support of her family, friends, boyfriend, and God. Getting her one step further down her Army career path and closer to helping people along the way.

“They told me that God will not give you anything that you can’t handle. So, I take that with me and I’m ready to go,” Pham says.