Many think that Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, JROTC is simply an extra credit program to help students get into better colleges or to better themselves in general. But beyond these benefits, JROTC helps students learn more about leadership roles by teaching responsibility, accountability and overcoming difficult tasks.
The program gives students opportunities to be recognized for their achievements in these areas. Senior Mekayla Baker, who has been a member of JROTC and Rifle Team for three years, has consistently proven she is leadership material.
“I considered joining JROTC because of the rifle team and at one point considered joining the military as my career path,” Baker said.
Baker has been acknowledged for her dedication and was promoted to Captain during her second year on the rifle team.
“She is a really good leader, she has good communication with the cadets and sets a good example for the upcoming shooters,” senior Madeline Gonzalez said.
Baker has dedicated a lot of her time to JROTC and Rifle by not only going to practices but also by going to a rifle camp over the summer after her second year.
“Baker started out late, starting during her sophomore year and during her first year did well but had a hard time focusing on improvements and had little self-confidence. Fortunately, after she finished the summer camp and achieved her certification from there she progressed further and improved greatly by applying herself and helped many classmates through their ups and downs,” Major Richard Sugg said.
Being Captain may be a difficult role, but Baker has shown time and time again that she is prepared for the task, even during practices before and after school, she shows willingness to help out no matter what.
“My experience with JROTC has been wonderful. I have made many lifelong friends in the Corps and it has taught me valuable traits. I try my hardest to be at every practice. We start by setting up the range and then we go back to our lanes and stretch. Then we get in our calm mindset and get into position and start the shot process. It’s a very mentally challenging task for new shooters and even veteran athletes,” Baker said.
Even though she has faced many difficulties in JROTC she still manages to hold an astonishing amount of achievements, getting 2nd best overall shooter in her most recent competition during the state championships before she placed 1st place in the state.
“I’m very proud of myself for getting 2nd place for my last competition. It has really been an honor to show off my hard work and practice. Being captain comes with a lot of responsibilities but I am happy with myself for accomplishing my goals and improving to strive for 1st overall,” Baker said.
She has shown many people that she is willing to push for perfection and is ready to show off her skills.
“Baker has helped me with many things, she has helped me with tips when I’m nervous for a competition. When I do something wrong on my shooting she will tell me and I will fix it so I don’t make the same mistake next time. She has also helped me in my personal life, I know I can always count on her no matter what. She has been a really good friend since I started at West,” senior Bryce Wentzel said.
Now Baker helps her teammates to improve during practice helping them to push themselves and still keep the environment safe and friendly. JROTC has helped Baker utilize her leadership skills and helped the rest of her team to strive just as she has during competitions. Not only by pushing them, but also by helping them to improve themselves and learn how to be a better person towards JROTC and the community.
“I feel as though I’ve set a good example for the next rifle team Captain. I hope I’ve inspired current underclassmen to be the best they can and to stick to it,” Baker said.