High school is a time for discovering who you are and what truly drives you. For Kamisha Stewart, a dedicated member of the JROTC program, the past four years have been instrumental in preparing her for a future military career. From a young age, Stewart knew she wanted to serve in the military.
“I always wanted to be part of the military, and this program has given me all of the experience and knowledge I needed,” Stewart said.
Throughout her time in JROTC, she stepped into leadership roles and fully immersed herself in the program’s structure and challenges. Stewart proudly serves as the Battalion S-3, a role that places her in charge of operations and training. She is responsible for organizing lesson schedules, managing events and competitions, and ensuring that cadets meet their responsibilities. This leadership position has allowed her to take charge in meaningful ways and demonstrate her skills.
“I oversee operations and training, creating schedules for lessons and activities both in and out of class. The best part for me has been the personal growth and the people I’ve met,” Stewart explained,
Through her time in JROTC, Stewart found more than just structure, she discovered a foundation that works for her.“It’s definitely shaped my leadership skills in a tremendous way. It taught me to carry myself and present myself with confidence and fearlessness and overall showed me how to step out of my comfort zone and lead by example,” Stewart recalled.
Stewart recalls that one of her biggest challenges while being in JROTC was attending summer camp. Despite the tough start, Stewart is most proud of leading her team to Nationals in Washington, D.C.
“It was my first year competing and my first time as captain. It was definitely scary considering it’s something I’d never done before. It took real perseverance to adjust to a week without a phone or access to my family.” She leaned on new connections with fellow students to get through it. “I knew my team and instructors were counting on me, so I pushed everyone to do their best,” Stewart said.
The sense of responsibility and the pressures that came with it truly highlights just how much she herself has grown since joining JROTC. Balancing the program and academics hasn’t been easy, but Stewart learned how to manage it all. The life skills she gained through JROTC have made a lasting impact.
“JROTC taught me how to build structure in my life and make intentional choices. I’ve also learned practical skills like first aid and how to handle pressure. Before, I took things too personally, but now I’ve learned to manage my emotions and take feedback better.” In the real world outside of high school, not everyone is the same. It’s really up to me how I present myself and handle situations.”
Stewart credits her former instructor Colonel Phyllis Fredericks as a major influence on her journey.
“She had a significant impact on the way I carry myself today. She taught me how to not let people walk over me and embrace the greatness that I knew I was meant to have.”
Her time in JROTC has also helped with her decision to serve in the military. “I’m actually contracted to join the Army after high school and go to basic training. After that, I plan to pursue a first responder career in the military,” she said.
For students considering joining JROTC, Stewart encourages them to ignore the negativity. “Don’t let the rumors stop you,” she advised. “Almost every person I know who joins JROTC ends up falling in love with it. The connections, the people you meet, and the memories you make, you will definitely remember for a lifetime.”
