greenfield1
Member
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2021
- Messages
- 31
I don’t know if this is the right place to post this but I thought I would throw it out there and see what people had to say. I received a ROTC scholarship as a senior in HS but was unable to activate due to being medically DQed after being diagnosed with a immune condition in the summer just days before I reported.
I was trying to get a waiver but it is clear after talking to staff and cadre at school that the condition is not really something that will ever be waiverable/commissionable. I had wanted to serve since the 7th grade so it all has been really disappointing to me and I am struggling trying to figure out my Plan B, C, D, etc and I guess what I want to do with my life now. Because I am at a SMC I was able to stay with the Corps of Cadets and participate as a Corps Only cadet so I've been there for the past 2.5 years and have had an overall great experience.
At the same time though it all just makes me feel really guilty because I feel like as a Corps Only cadet I am pretending to be something I am not and will never be. It has also been hard to watch my friends prepare to go to camp, get their branches/service assignments, commission, etc. I am so happy for them and so excited to watch them do great things but I can't help but wish badly that it was me right along with them. Also, my granddad was an Army officer and I was really looking forward to wearing the same uniform he did. I feel like I failed/am letting him down in a way by not being able to serve even though I know that’s not really true.
I was wondering if anyone had experience with or advice for situations like these. I’ve tried to come to terms with not being able to serve, I had my “why me” pity moment long ago, and I know there are other ways to serve but it really was all I had wanted since middle school and I was so excited and I just feel so guilty/disappointed that I won’t be able to do it.
I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and thank you in advance for any advice you may be able to offer.
I was trying to get a waiver but it is clear after talking to staff and cadre at school that the condition is not really something that will ever be waiverable/commissionable. I had wanted to serve since the 7th grade so it all has been really disappointing to me and I am struggling trying to figure out my Plan B, C, D, etc and I guess what I want to do with my life now. Because I am at a SMC I was able to stay with the Corps of Cadets and participate as a Corps Only cadet so I've been there for the past 2.5 years and have had an overall great experience.
At the same time though it all just makes me feel really guilty because I feel like as a Corps Only cadet I am pretending to be something I am not and will never be. It has also been hard to watch my friends prepare to go to camp, get their branches/service assignments, commission, etc. I am so happy for them and so excited to watch them do great things but I can't help but wish badly that it was me right along with them. Also, my granddad was an Army officer and I was really looking forward to wearing the same uniform he did. I feel like I failed/am letting him down in a way by not being able to serve even though I know that’s not really true.
I was wondering if anyone had experience with or advice for situations like these. I’ve tried to come to terms with not being able to serve, I had my “why me” pity moment long ago, and I know there are other ways to serve but it really was all I had wanted since middle school and I was so excited and I just feel so guilty/disappointed that I won’t be able to do it.
I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and thank you in advance for any advice you may be able to offer.