My experience at Iowa State University was generally very different from my peers,

particularly my ability to take general elective courses. Since I am enrolled in Naval ROTC, I am
required to finish my degree in four years. With Cyber Security Engineering, that does not leave
a lot of room to reach out from the degree plan, especially because I came in with over 15 credits
from high school that covered nearly all of the general education requirements for graduation.
However, it did not prevent me from expanding my knowledge outside of the technological
realm and embrace backgrounds in a variety of fields that will benefit my ability to bond with
those around me who may be different in their experiences and identities.
Of the credits I transferred in, 6 of them were related to AP World History. I took it
sophomore year of high school and was able to score a 4. This was one of my favorite classes
that I took in high school because my teacher was very enthusiastic about the material and was
able to relate it back to us in a way that we were able to understand. I took great interest in each
of the units discussed in this class, but I would say my favorites were the ones where we
discussed the developments of Egypt and China through to the modern world. Especially today,
with the United States international relations strained in not only the Middle East, but tensions
arising in eastern Asia. This knowledge about their culture and the tendencies they have when it
comes to warfare will be essential to how we train, not only in a cyber domain, but on the
battlefield as well. However, before my time is finished at the university I was able to take two
more, the first of which was to help build my leadership skills.
In my freshman year, I had the pleasure of attending LD ST 291B, a women in STEM
leadership course that covered a vast majority of topics relating to the present day treatment of
women in my expected line of work and how our differences impact our experiences. The most
influential lecture for me in that class was when we had Kimberle Chrenshaw as a guest speaker.
She is known for coining the term intersectionality, which is how people are affected differently
when you have one or more different positions of minority. For example, I, as a white, gay
woman will have different inequalities than a black women, which will also differ from a
hispanic, transgender man. This course highlights the distinctions in our experiences and really
pushes its students to be aware of the struggles of those around us. It also fostered a community
where we got to come together and help ourselves and each build an understanding and
appreciation for helping those around us. The importance of acceptance, especially today when it
feels like we are plunging into further divides, is crucial to constructing a society that is able to
withstand the struggles that are sure to come in the future. The ability to build relationships with
peers and subordinates who differ from myself and each other will allow for a more cohesive
unit and will strengthen our combat effectiveness should we need it.
Last spring, when the Russians hacked the oil pipeline in the southern United States and
began to invade Ukraine, I decided to take RUS 375, a Russian history class. Just as AP World
History, the structure of this class was very conducive to learning. It did not track back nearly as
far into history, however it did reach back into the days of the Soviet Union and traced forward
to the present. Interestingly, this class covered not only the history, but dove into economics,
politics, societal norms, and culture as the region developed. The United States has had a
crumbling relationship with the Soviet Union and Russia since World War II and have
participated in many quasi wars against each other. In this course, we discussed the leadership,
policies and events that lead to the disagreements from a Russian perspective as well as the
internal struggles that are prevalent, even to this day, and occurred as results to the government’s
actions. The protests taking place currently in Moscow are a prime example of the internal
struggles the Russian populace is facing. Just as learning about China and the Middle Eastern
regions, the mindset of Russians as it has evolved. It is important in warfare to understand how
your opposition thinks to use it against them and prevent them from using it against you. The
knowledge I gained from this class will help me make sound, logical decisions should the
situation arise.
Despite not taking as many general education courses as I would have liked through Iowa
State, I feel like the ones I was able to take have been very beneficial to my development as an
individual. They were a joy to take and I am enthusiastic about the abundance of use in my
professional career as I go forward. I do plan on taking one more in the upcoming semester, N S
412, another leadership and ethics class, which will further build upon the foundations of the
leadership course I took as a freshman. The fleet Marine Corps needs intelligent, well-rounded
leaders and I believe my time at Iowa State will have a great impact on my performance. Then
once the time comes when I leave the Marine Corps, I will carry these skills with me to the work
force in a slightly different capacity.