Finding My Way
Narrated by Isabella Sullivan | Scribed by Grace Choi & Stephanie Rao
Duty, honor, country.
Being at West Point, these three values hold great meaning to me. They shape my present duty in honoring my commitment to this school, while also shaping my future in soon honoring my commitment to my country.
My introduction to volleyball was far from dutiful but rather something convenient. I wanted to be part of a team sport as I spent so many years only having myself through gymnastics. I soon learned that being a part of a team sport came with a new perspective on leadership that would translate to my time at West Point. While I was still learning how to manage being a student-athlete, developing leadership had always been consistent in my life from the classroom to managing social dynamics to sports. I was the one who always voiced my opinion when it was asked for and wasn’t afraid to start tough but necessary conversations. From the classroom to the volleyball court, I had valued being a leader and wanting to set an example for others. During class discussions, I wouldn’t hesitate to share my ideas, whether it be concerning the annual Halloween skit or fundraising ideas for senior prom. On the court, I learned that how I carried myself impacted my teammates around me. If I chose to think negatively about my own game, I impacted my teammates’ mindset the same way. Because of this, I chose to always support my teammates and encourage them to fix their mistakes by practicing their weaknesses.
Because West Point was known for creating strong leaders, it was no surprise that I was drawn to it, especially since my dad had attended West Point years ago and spoke very highly of it. However, West Point was also appealing because of the stability it provided— I know what my future job will be, where I am going to live, and have a sense of security. For all these reasons, I committed to West Point 48 hours after they gave me an offer.
“I needed to be a follower before I can become a leader.”
After being so outspoken and firm in my thoughts on being a leader, I was right back at square one when I got to West Point. The biggest thing that I had to learn? I need to be a follower before I can become a leader. I went from being the most dominant figure on my high school volleyball team to being called a “plebe” here at my new school and only being allowed to speak when spoken to during military training It forced me to take a step back and take after the existing leaders of the team, while still honoring the person I knew I was and could become.
The thing about West Point is that I am not only training to be a leader on the volleyball team, but to be a leader in my community and, once the ball stops bouncing, as a potential platoon leader. I come from a strong line of leaders with my mom serving as a great example of what leadership entails and my dad being a West Point alum. Here, I am able to channel the natural strength to be successful that derives from my family, but must also be conscious that leadership does not look the same for everyone. I have learned that you need to define what consistent leadership looks like for you but also be willing to adapt my way of leadership that best fits the people surrounding meI have recognized that the best leaders can continuously work on their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. I learned that following doesn’t always mean submitting but rather learning from those with greater experience. After all, the best leaders derive from the best followers.
I am at the most fulfilling and fruitful point of my life. Sure there are days when I am mentally and physically exhausted from my academic classes, volleyball practices, and military training.
And sure, there are things that feel more like a duty than others. However, West Point has provided me with so many different communities for me to feel secure in; whether that be the volleyball team, my company, or academic circle. Best of all, West Point allows me to see myself in a different light. A light that shines on my ability to draw on my family’s strengths whilst finding my own.
I can’t wait for what the future holds.