Cadet Leadership

Corps Hosts 9th Annual Intentional Leadership Conference

March 1, 2024 by rnelson

Each spring, the Corps of Cadets’ Hollingsworth Center hosts the Intentional Leadership Conference (ILC). Open to all members of Texas A&M’s campus community and other visitors, the ILC seeks to grow participants’ understanding of ethical leadership through various panel discussions and keynote speakers.

Though only spanning two days, the ILC is an impactful experience for all participants. Through discussion and advice from industry leaders and trail blazers, those who attended this year’s conference were given a platform to ask questions and learn from some of the best.

In its 9th year, the 2024 ILC focused on “Transformational Leadership: Bridging the Gap for a Better Tomorrow”. One conference speaker, Mandy Scott ‘87, the first of two female members of the Ross Volunteer Company, elaborated on the meaning of transformational leadership in the “Leading Change” panel.

“People have been leading transformationally long before the term was coined. Transformational leadership is all about organizational collaboration toward a shared purpose and goal. It isn’t a top down thing, but rather, something that drives change through collaboration at every level,” Scott said.

Andrea Abat ‘89, one of the first female members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, reinforced Scott’s idea of transformational leadership during the same panel discussion.

“Leadership is at the core of all change. Whether it’s in your home, in the military or in another industry, leadership should always focus around the L.O.V.E. acronym. True transformational leaders must look at how you are fostering Loyalty, Ownership, Values and Engagement amongst those around you,” Abat said.

At another session, “Leading by Example”, delegates heard from former cadets who were trailblazers throughout their Corps experience. Speaking on their previous experiences in the Corps and how it has translated to their current endeavors, panel presenters left lasting impressions on attendees.

“Attending the Lead by Example panel really gave me insight into what makes an impactful leader. The fact that transformational leaders are the chief servants of their organization was heavily emphasized throughout,” cadet Lucas Scroggins ‘24 said.

“I now recognize that transformational leaders are only successful when they remain connected to their organization and the members whose day-to-days they are ultimately shaping,” he continued.

Caring about others, a sentiment that was carried on throughout the entirety of the conference, was captured in the final keynote address from Texas A&M President, General (USAF, Retired) Mark A. Welsh III. President Welsh encouraged participants to grow past perceived leadership struggles and invest in those around you.

“To be a transformational leader, you can’t provide instability. You cannot waiver in your opinions. You cannot waiver in the face of a problem. You must provide stability to those around you,” Welsh explained.

The ILC provides a complementary leadership development opportunity to the classroom and leadership laboratory experiences provided through the Corps of Cadets. By extending an invitation to the broader campus community to attend the ILC, those outside of the Corps gained a glimpse of the education and training that prepares cadets to lead beyond graduation.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Cadets Intern On Capitol Hill

February 15, 2024 by rnelson

This spring, cadets Tabitha Ford ‘25, Elizabeth Lewis ‘25 and Volodymyr Ploskanych ‘25 are interning on Capitol Hill through Texas A&M’s Policy Internship Programs. Comprised of Agricultural Natural Resources Policy Internship Program (ANRP) and Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP), these programs are collectively open to all academic disciplines at the university. Both programs seek to place students into policy-related internships at the state, national, or international level, allowing students to apply what they are learning at Texas A&M in a professional setting where policies are being made.

As part of her time in the ANRP, which is open exclusively to students majoring within the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Ford is interning for Congressman Keith Self. A biochemistry major, Ford hopes to one day enter the field of medical research, and sees this opportunity as one more step in her preparation toward that goal. She says that her experience in the program has been enhanced by the skills she has learned as a member of the Corps.

“The time commitment of the Corps of Cadets is a big one, and definitely helped me to develop my time management skills for the workplace. Additionally, a lot of networking is done in the Corps by simply having the confidence to go up to someone, shake their hand and introduce yourself, which has contributed greatly to my ability to network confidently,” Ford explained.

“Assertiveness, the ability to work in a team, and working under pressure are all things I learned in the Corps that have been invaluable to my successful experience in Washington D.C. so far,” she continued.

To Ford, even the smallest tasks from her time in the ANRP have proven to be valuable.

“Even if your only task is answering phones, become the best person at answering phones in the world. Eventually, people will notice and you’ll slowly be given more and more responsibilities and opportunities to expand your knowledge and skill set. You can learn from everything,” Ford said.

Also a member of this semester’s ANRP cohort, Elizabeth Lewis, an ag leadership and development major, is interning for her local district’s representative, Congressman Jake Ellzey. With her future goal of attending law school and practicing either ag policy or estate law in mind, Lewis says that her time in the program has validated what she’s learned as a cadet.

“My time in the Corps has given me the skills to work with people in challenging situations, which has proved to be incredibly helpful throughout my internship. The Corps has also given me a sense of discipline that has been amazing for establishing and maintaining my routine in D.C.,” Lewis said.

Through his participation in the PPIP, Ploskanych, a sociology major, hopes to learn more about the human side of the policy process and how it impacts the world around him. As an intern for Congressman Michael McCaul, who serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ploskanych has been given space to learn more about foreign policy in the U.S.

“The PPIP is understandably a major opportunity for A&M students and a very valuable experience. Above all else, I want this semester to make me a better man for my fish (freshmen) next year and my buddies,” Ploskanych said.

Originally from Ukraine, Ploskanych and his family emigrated to the United States in 2006, and moved to Texas ten years ago. He says that being born in Ukraine is part of what inspired him to apply for the PPIP.

“I became interested in the public policy sector because Ukraine has tragically become a significant point of foreign policy. I thought my language and cultural insights could be of some use in the field,” Ploskanych explained.

As he continues on his journey with the program, Ploskanych also cites what he has learned as a member of the Corps of Cadets as his foundation for success.

“The Corps genuinely does a good job of preparing you for professional situations such as this. I think that freshman year teaches you most of what you need to know for life. Put care into your appearance, work with your peers as a team, say ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’, take constructive criticism and be motivated,” Ploskanych explained.

For others interested in joining the Corps of Cadets and pursuing opportunities like the PPIP or ANRP, Ploskanych has a few words of advice.

“Absolutely do it and do it absolutely. If you stick with your buddies and really make an effort to be involved, you will have an experience to cherish for the rest of your life,” Ploskanych said.

Home to cadets from across all majors, interests and goals for the future, the Corps of Cadets serves as Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program. Leveraging a traditional, military structured developmental model, members of the Corps take what they’ve learned from within the program and apply it to their personal and professional goals.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Anika Waddill ’24

February 14, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Burleson, Texas

Major: Nursing

Outfit: Company A-2

Originally from Company A-2, Anika Waddill ’24 presently serves as the PR and Recruiting Officer for First Wing.

On the Quad, Anika works for Corps Recruiting and is a member of the Corps Tennis team and Corps Color Guard. Anika previously served as the First Brigade Color Sergeant. Off the Quad, Anika is an active member of Aggie Sweethearts.

“My time in the Corps has helped shape me into who I am today. I came into my freshman year quite timid and afraid to get out of my comfort zone. During these four years, I have been able to learn a lot about myself and leadership. I have had to adapt to many changes, specifically this year, coming into a new Major Unit. During this time I have learned to get out of my box, working in a new environment with new people. Overall, I think the Corps has helped me become stronger mentally and physically,” Anika said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Anika plans to move back to the Fort Worth area to work as a nurse. She also hopes to one day return to school for her master’s degree in nursing.

Cadet Wins National Collegiate Rugby Championship

February 12, 2024 by rnelson

While membership in the Corps of Cadets entails a regimented lifestyle with a defined daily schedule, there is still room for students to pursue their interests through activities off the Quad. Home to over 1,300 student organizations and activities, the larger Texas A&M campus is filled with opportunities for cadets to further pursue their passions and prepare for their future goals.

On the Quad, cadet Genevieve Pace ‘24 serves as the Second Group Commanding Officer and as a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry. Her time outside of the arches is spent as a member of Texas A&M’s Women’s Rugby Club. Though she only began playing rugby three years ago, Pace quickly found herself a seasoned veteran on the team.

“During my fish (freshman) year, I was interested in off the Quad involvement and had always wanted to do a contact sport. So, I reached out to the university rugby team’s recruiting officer. Today, I am the player who has been on the team the longest,” Pace explained.

In the fall of her senior season, Pace decided to try out for the National Collegiate Rugby League’s Lonestar Conference All Star Team, which is comprised of the top players from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Members of this elite team are given the opportunity to compete against other regional conferences for a shot at the league’s national championship title.

“Out of the 40 girls that tried out, I was selected among 13 others for the team. I was nervous to compete against the top 300 collegiate rugby players in the nation. I did not believe in my own abilities or skills, or that I should be competing at the same level as these girls. I overcame this by talking with my teammates who reassured me that they believe in me,” Pace said.

“I set a personal goal during every single match that I would give 100% of my effort and come off the field as exhausted as possible so that there would be no regrets. The Corps has taught me that perseverance. It taught me that excellence is not perfection, but instead giving 100% effort towards what you want to achieve. No shame can come of giving all you can, especially towards a cause with other people, whether that be my buddies in the Corps or my teammates on the field,” Pace continued.

Pace’s perseverance and dedication to her team culminated the weekend of January 20th, where the Lonestar Conference was finally put to the test. Having never played together prior to the championship series, the team had to come together quickly to find success.

“We played in three pool games versus the Ohio Valley, Upstate New York and South Atlantic conferences. We won all three, so we were able to advance straight to the semi-final round the next day. In the semi final match, we played the Midwest team and shut them out to win the match. In the final game, we played the Big 10 and were also able to shut them out to win the National Championship,” Pace said.

“I felt so ecstatic after winning the championship. It was a surreal feeling to go from being unsure of my belonging at the tournament to winning the entire thing. I was so unbelievably proud of how the team so quickly meshed together. All of us were playing for one another, not just for individual glory, and it showed.”

Though time consuming, Pace says that this experience, coupled with her involvements in the Corps of Cadets, have been worthwhile.

“It takes quite a lot of effort to balance the Corps, the rugby team and my academics. But I genuinely believe that if you love what you are doing, you make the time for it. There is no denying that it was difficult, but I have gained so much from both the Corps and rugby. Both have shaped me into the leader I am today. I say take a leap of faith and do something off the Quad because you never know how it may impact you and your future.”

The similarities between the Corps’ leadership development program and the game of rugby may not be immediately apparent. Pace says one specific core value is present everywhere she looks.

“The Corps experience has especially emphasized selfless service. As one of our core values, I see it exhibited everywhere. Whether it be taking an extra sandbag from my buddy on a run or helping others tack up their horse at a Parsons Mounted Cavalry ride class, you can always do something for someone else. I apply this mentality to rugby too. I need to carry my burden and then some in order to be part of a winning team,” Pace said.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Fish Drill Team Wins 14th Straight Title At Tulane

February 12, 2024 by rnelson

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Feb. 9, 2024 — For the 14th consecutive year, the Fish Drill Team of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets has claimed the first place overall title at Tulane University’s NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet, one of the largest drill meets in the nation.

The Fish Drill Team, unique among collegiate drill teams for being composed exclusively of freshman cadets, dominated in nearly every category of the drill competition, which hosts drill teams from across the country. As a result of their efforts, the Fish Drill Team was named the overall champion of the meet, edging out teams from the United States Military Academy and Norwich University. This win comes as a result of five months of intense training for the Fish Drill Team, beginning in mid-September, just four weeks after cadets arrived on Texas A&M’s campus.

Standing as Texas A&M’s oldest, largest and most recognizable student organization, the Corps of Cadets prepares students to lead at every level. Leveraging its traditional, military-based framework, the Corps is a leadership development program that prepares its students for careers in the public, private and military sectors.Through unique experiences and opportunities like the Fish Drill Team, cadets are able to compete and win on the national stage.

Story By: Robin Nelson ‘22