Meet Frank, a driven and dedicated student from Lima, OH, who is currently in the Army ROTC here at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Pursuing a major in Sociology with a minor in Psychology, Frank is deeply passionate about understanding human behavior and the intricacies of society. His academic journey doesn’t stop there—he plans to further his education by earning a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at UIUC. With a clear vision for his future, Frank is committed to his studies, aiming to make an impact in both the mental health field and the community.

I asked Frank about his military service and history, and also what led him to pursue higher education. He said:

“I am still new, being a little over a year in. In this time, I have gathered great experience from new and seasoned soldiers. A childhood passion of a respectful family legacy is what drives me to pursue my higher education.”

I then asked him about his military transition, and what the most challenging part of it was. His response:

“Being in the National Guard helps me juggle my military and civilian life. The biggest challenge would have to be balancing my family and work life.”

After this, I asked if he was in any organizations or clubs here at UIUC, and he said:

“Currently, I’m apart of the ROTC program. In the program, I train with the Ranger clubs, and I completed the Norwegian Ruck March in November.”

My last question was: what are your career aspirations after graduation? He responded:

“After I graduate with my first BA, I plan to pursue my officer ship as far as possible, hoping to retire as a colonel within 20-30 years. In that time, I plan on obtaining two more BA degrees, one or two doctorates, and own a private practice.”

Frank is also the recipient of the Paulsgrove Scholarship, which helps him further balance his studies and military life. Overall, Frank’s journey is a true testament to his resilience, ambition, and commitment to both his academic and military aspirations. Balancing ROTC, higher education, and family life, he continues to push forward with a clear vision for his future. His passion for psychology, coupled with his military service, sets him on a unique path toward making a lasting impact in both the mental health field and his military career. With his drive and dedication, Frank is poised to achieve great things—whether it’s earning his doctorate, leading in the Army, or building a private practice. We can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next!

Article written by: Baileigh Hannah