Feature friday

Name:  Payton L Smith ​

Hometown: Rainier Oregon  
Class year: Junior  
Major: Nursing  
Desired Career Field: Nurse Anesthetist 
Extracurricular Activities/Sports/Hobbies: Swimming, Fishing 
Something unique about myself: I listen to vinyl because it is better than digital  
Favorite thing about being in AFROTC: Wingmanship and all my friends  
Most challenging part of being in AFROTC:  getting to field training  
What leadership opportunities have you been given as a cadet in AFROTC? Physical Fitness Officer  
What advice would you give a student thinking about becoming a cadet? Prepare your self to work harder thank anyone else. The harder you work to prepare the better  

A little background on Cadet Smith
1. I graduated high school at the beginning of Covid. Missed out on the last few months in my school year of 2020.  I moved across the country to go to a military college. ( Marion Military Institue) This was in hope of finding a path towards becoming an officer in the US military. I was young and had no idea what branch or what job I wanted and I knew was I wanted to lead others, and I wanted to serve my country with honor. My first few weeks at MMI would break me down and rebuild me from a high school student to an independent, self-reliable, responsible college student. I became aware of how difficult the road ahead would be and how hard I would have to work.  I opened up as an individual and as a leader by taking part in extracurricular activities.  My first year at MMI really gave my the tools to do any career I wanted.  All I needed was a more specific goal. I had come to hear of the program at The University of Alabama. The 010 AFROTC was willing to give me a chance at a career. I gave them a chance just like they gave me.  It would be a very bump road ahead however. For the last year I had engraved Army DNC. I would have to re-learn everything I was taught and learn it fast.  I was also tasked with taking both the 100’s classes and the 200’s classes in the same terms. I was behind and struggled through most of it. But I had amazing wingman and Cadre who would help me every step of the way. With a last-minute decision to change my major form Aerospace engineering, to Nursing. A major I was actually interested in and found fulfilling. I would find out I was selected for PSP and I would go to field trading.  I had gotten to the big mile stone. The next one was only bigger and tougher. With a little help from my MMI buddy's I was able to do a AFROTC visit and give back to my wingman who help me this far. I gave them an opportunity to see similar environments to what we may see at field trading. In doing this me and my fellow wingman felt more prepared for Feild Training. 

2. Field Training was a true test of everything I had learned and what I was truly capable of when put to the test. I believe I stood my ground and performed well. There was no task to difficult that I couldn't overcome. From screaming CTA's. To heart dripping heights. It was a fantastic experience and I was able to take away a lot and hopefully bring back what I have learned for others. 

3. Once back I had become an official POC, my job was to prepare the 200's for field trading and the incoming 100's for the next year. Specifically, I was given the task of Physical Fitness Officer. Thinking of my MMI PT I would help design workout with my wingman to be fun, informative and most importantly challenging. I believe we have done well so far this year with many cadets passing the PFA.  And can't wait for the next semester.