What Is It Like to Be in ROTC?
Molly Hanson '25 shares about rewarding experience
Why did you decide to join ROTC at Whitworth?
I joined ROTC because I missed the physical aspect of sports in high school, I wanted to have a plan after college, and most of all I loved the challenge. ROTC has been the most challenging and rewarding program I have ever been a part of.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've been a part of at Whitworth.
A couple of unique experiences that I've had at Whitworth are through the Office of Church Engagement’s Summer Fellowship Program and with Honor Flight. I've done two fellowships: one in Leavenworth, Wash., working with the disabled community and one in Santa Maria, Calif., working at a men's addiction recovery center. Both fellowships taught me a lot about the nonprofit world and helped me grow as a person as well as personally in my faith. I am now the lead ambassador for the program.
The Honor Flight program that I got to partake in was fully funded by Whitworth's Military & Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC). Honor Flight is a nonprofit that sends veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the war memorials. Watching a Vietnam veteran find the name of their fallen brother on the wall is very powerful and moving. I would not be able to be a part of this program if I weren't in Whitworth ROTC.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about being in ROTC?
If you have any military interest or want to be challenged, ROTC is the place for you. There is not a certain stereotype that does ROTC; there are all kinds of people. You will find a place to fit in. The opportunity to potentially have your school, housing and books paid for is also very notable.
What are your future plans?
In the Army, I hope to use my community health degree and serve in the Medical Service Corps. Once I have completed my military service, I want to work for nonprofits for a while and then eventually go into politics.
Who are three people who have made a difference for you at Whitworth?
- Dr. Julia Stronks, my political science advisor. I have had a deep breadth of experiences within her classes. Because of her classes, I've listened to amazing speakers, gone to conferences, and heard countless perspectives that have greatly shaken my worldview.
- Kent McDonald, theology adjunct faculty member. Taking the class Foundations of Christian Leadership was one of the best decisions I could have made as a freshman. It’s a perfect class to find friends, have support from a group of people as a first-year, and learn very relevant and current information about the Bible.
- Gracey Jo Gonzalez, program & fellows assistant for the Summer Fellowship Program. She does a lot of recruiting on campus, facilitates connections, and cares about students deeply. Gracey Jo embodies Whitworth energy, heart and love of God.
How would you describe Whitworth?
I would describe it as a community. People at Whitworth care about others on more than just a surface level. Whitworth is a place where people can find connection and a place that allows you to be who you are.