The Wrangler: What/who got you into ROTC?

Contreras: I always had an interest in any type of military program and learning about what the lifestyle was about.

The Wrangler: How has it changed you as a person ever since you started taking it?

Contreras: One thing it has taught me is leadership skills. Service before self is the main thing we have been taught from the starts which is something that can truly be applied everywhere.

The Wrangler: Do you want to join the army when you get out of highschool?

Contreras: ROTC has given me a little inside of what it’s like to be in the military and I can for sure say I’d like to join, but I don’t know what branch yet.

The Wrangler: I heard you had to take a mental health assessment. How is it? Does it scare you?

Contreras: The mental test basically tests what you’re afraid of. It’s a different feeling than what most expect.

The Wrangler: What do you feel during the mental health test?

Contreras: I’ve only had to do one test and all I had to do was sit in a small, dark room with noises all around. To most people this wouldn’t be bad, but for the people who are afraid of small places then it would be horrible.

The Wrangler: What’s your normal routine during ROTC? What do you guys do?

Contreras: There is no normal routine we do. Most of the time we march and learn leadership skills. We also do LRC which is a team activity.

The Wrangler: Do you enjoy it? why?

Contreras: Yes, I enjoy it. I’ve met some of my close friends in here that I would not trade for the world.

The Wrangler: Do you qualify for scholarships because you’re taking ROTC?

Contreras: It helps with college and also if you go into the military after high school, it allows you to be an E3 which is a high rank than most when they enter.