As the youngest member of my military unit, I refused to let my age become a limitation and instead used it as motivation to excel. I completed the Intermediate Leadership Development Course (ILDC), where I was trained through diverse leadership scenarios that prepared me to step into greater responsibility. This training enabled me to successfully serve as acting Lead Petty Officer in the absence of my superiors, where I demonstrated initiative, accountability, and decision-making under pressure. My performance in this role ultimately led to being awarded Junior Sailor of the Quarter (JSOQ), an honor recognizing sustained superior performance, strong work ethic, and dedication to the Navy’s mission.
