I was born and raised in Germany, and moved to the US for the first time when I was seven years old. My family and I have moved back and forth between both countries five times, and finally decided to stay in the US permanently in the year 2002. I am currently a sophomore and MS II in the Army ROTC program at UM Ann Arbor. Outside of ROTC, while focusing on completing my English major and German minor, I enjoy writing, playing tennis and socializing. Above all, I love to travel.

My greatest inspiration to join Army ROTC was my father. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and served in the US Military. By instilling the Army values, such as loyalty, respect and honor, in me, he prepared me for ROTC. Through this program, I hoped to further develop these Army values, improve my character and most importantly, expand my horizons.

ROTC offers countless learning experiences. By constantly working with the other cadets in my squad, my platoon and the battalion, I have gained a better understanding of what it means to be a “team” and how to function together as one. Therefore, the comradery that the cadets share in this program is insurmountable. Also, I have learned how to be an effective leader. Through the tactical, physical and mental training, as well as all the other skills I have acquired through ROTC, I am steadily moving toward becoming the person I would like to be.