Brandon Rhodes
When I started high school my mother challenged me to get involved with an organization; to belong to a group with a "purpose." At that time I couldn't fathom what she was talking about, but as I chose the JROTC program I realized that this structured, militaristic group would help me formulate and realize the roadmap for success in my own life. Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "We succeed only as we identify in life, or in war, or in anything else, a single overriding objective, and make all other considerations bend to that one objective."
Success is an enigma. If you could package all the ingredients that would guarantee an individual would be successful in their educational, military, professional and personal pursuits, then you would have yourself a money-making proposition. The truth is, there is no magic list of requisites. Successful people might be intelligent, or have had a socially well connected upbringing, or they might be naturally energetic. The fact is that a lot of the factors that make some people more successful than others are things that are very much under their own control.
However, there are some factors that I think give you an advantage when compared to others who do not embrace and develop these qualities into their everyday lives. They are what I call the 5Ds in the pursuit of success. Being part of the JROTC program has given me a clear roadmap of what it takes to maintain my mission.
The first D is DEGREE. My Mom always says "these days, you need a college degree to dig a ditch". This may not be completely true, but the point is still pertinent. Over the last twenty years, it has become more and more important to finish your education and get your college degree and even graduate degrees. Even if you plan to have a military career you should put yourself in the best position you can from the beginning. It is important to me to complete my postsecondary program because I know that having that college degree may not guarantee me a job later, but it certainly will open doors for me. I plan to be a part of the ROTC program in college as well. I know this will also help me navigate more successfully through my military service and give me a foot up on those who choose to enlist directly out of high school. The job market has also become incredibly competitive and the college degree is only one component that sets you apart from others seeking the same positions for which you are applying. But, learning doesn't just come in the form of formal instruction. People who are considered successful are always learning. They surround themselves with good advisors and listen more than they talk. They are always working on themselves to improve their leadership skills, business and management acumen and they learn something from every aspect of their life including from their own failures and mistakes. In fact, learning isn't about memorizing facts; it's about being able to apply the information you learn to situations. Since I intend to begin my military career in the United States Air Force, I'm sure that my formal and informal learnings will serve me well when asked to make decisions and lead troops as an American soldier.
The second D is DIRECTION. Every successful person will say success begins with direction. You must know where you are going if you are ever going to get there. You cannot tumble through life like a "tumbleweed". Just as you plan a tactical mission in the military, you must also plot a course of action for your life. You will achieve it if you are 100% committed to do it. You must set goals and execute those goals in order to be successful. Everybody can "do life", but it takes an exceptional person to recognize how to take advantage opportunities and make things happen. Just like a road map indicates how to get from point A to point B, you need a life road map to get where you are going in your educational, military, professional and personal pursuits. Successful people see this life as a journey; a series of forks in the road lightly disguised as "decisions" that ultimately take you where you want to go. Being involved in the ROTC program has strengthened my focus on this aspect of my life. For me personally, serving my country is a vital and important part of my life road map. I think service to one's country is one way that you stay grounded and grateful. America is the greatest country on earth. The ability to serve its people, ensuring the safety of its citizens and spreading democracy gives me great purpose and direction. Additionally, giving back in the way of community service makes you compassionate and helps you connect with what is really important in life. Giving of your time, talent or treasure is commanded of all of us in the Bible. Making a difference in someone else's life will strengthen your own life tenfold and in ways far beyond what one can comprehend in their teens. Being the adopted son of a police officer I understand the saying "to protect and to serve" better than others.
The third D is DESIRE. Desire is what drives you to execute your life road map. Successful people work harder than most. They get up early, they expect performance from others, but expect extraordinary performance from themselves. They don't waste time complaining and they take full advantage of each day. Highly successful people see new opportunities and challenges where others see problems and limitations. They see problems as opportunities to do the impossible. They are the ones who seek solutions in the face of problems and above all, they persevere. They don't seek instant gratification, but rather push themselves beyond what is considered reasonable by the general populous. This is what separates them from the general populous. The ROTC program that I am currently a part of has only strengthened my desires to maintain my mission.
The fourth D is DISTRACTION. Successful people stay on point. They are focused on what's important and what needs to be done. They have a clear sense of purpose. I think that they value their time and plan in order to use their day in the most efficient and effective way. They are also proactive rather than reactive when they respond to situations. They don't blame other people or circumstances for problems or obstacles in their way; rather they take personal responsibility for everything in their life. They execute their life road map, measure the effectiveness and adjust the map when necessary to arrive at their destination. The most successful people also recognize when it is time to play. They have a good work/life balance and give as much attention to their personal lives as they do their profession or military career. The leadership courses that are a part of the curriculum of my ROTC program stress the specific characteristics of personal responsibility.
The last D is DECISON. Highly successful people take action quickly. Right or wrong action is better than no action. They don't panic or make decisions on impulse in times of stress or turmoil; rather they ask the right questions and make sound decisions. When the situation changes and requires an adjustment, successful people are the first and quickest to respond. They share the same philosophy that it is better to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission. They act instead of react. They look to the future; they notice trends; they see changes as well as see things others miss. Being a part of a military program as early as high school has really helped me fine tune these qualities. Whether my role is one of leader or follower in the time of a mission during my military service I know that the things I have learned, both informally and formally, in my ROTC program will serve me well.
My personal vision statement which includes my list of 5Ds above will help me to pursue excellence in my educational, military, professional and personal endeavors. I think it starts with being well-rounded and involved. In high school, I worked really hard trying to make myself a well-rounded student. I'm not the valedictorian of my class, but I felt it was more important to be involved in all aspects of high school. I am a good student. I was involved in ROTC; commander of the unarmed drill team for 2 years and a member prior to my leadership role. The unarmed drill team placed first in the very first meet after I was named commander. Additionally, I was a member of the armed drill team which repetitively pursued excellence placing 1st in almost every drill meet we entered. I was a member of the inspection team and mentored new cadets to the corp. I also performed many hours of community service and fundraising for the USO.
Academically, I pushed myself. I have a 3.10 GPA on the recommended high school program (college preparatory).From a work ethic standpoint; I worked part-time 30 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during the summers. This was no easy feat since I was so heavily involved in my community and school activities. I plan to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice while in college and participate in the ROTC program as well. After serving my country in the United States Air Force I would like to follow my father's footsteps and work as a peace officer.
Going into college in the fall of 2010, I will take all these high school experiences with me to help create a foundation for achieving academically and for extra-curricular involvement in my post secondary education in my continued pursuit of excellence. Don't be fooled into believing it has all just fallen into place for me. In fact, just the opposite is true. I have had my share of obstacles. My biological father abandoned our family when I was four years old. My mother had to be both mother and father to me and my younger brother for many years. She has done an amazing job. As easily as it seems that I have achieved in high school, my life could have just as easily gone another direction. But, my mother enrolled us in a small Christian school and the teachers and administration embraced me and helped guide my in the direction I needed to go. Because I am internally motivated to turn adversity into opportunity, I think my difficult childhood pushed me to excel beyond my external circumstances and helped me formulate my personal vision statement. Additionally, my involvement in ROTC has helped me organize my ideas and set forth a formal plan for success in my educational and military career.
Investing in Brandon Rhodes is a GOOD investment. I value and believe in the 5Ds as my personal life vision and execute that vision to the best of my ability everyday of my life. I credit the ROTC program and a couple of really good commanders in helping me formulate and maintain my mission.
