| Search Chronicle Online | |
May 18, 2009 'In 10 years, I see myself still serving this great nation in the U.S. Navy. If, at the end of my life, the world is a better place because I was in it, I will consider my life a success.'
Senior profile: Rebecca Bennet
Major: Chemical engineering Why did you choose Cornell?
I was looking for a school with a great engineering program and Naval ROTC. I also wanted to go somewhere that was not solely technical; I wanted a diverse education. Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is it important to you?
Naval ROTC. It provides the training necessary for future Naval and Marine Corps officers. At Cornell as battalion commander, I have been able to develop my abilities as a leader in a relatively risk-free environment. Additionally, I have had the honor to plan the training schedule for younger students in Naval ROTC and oversee the execution of several prominent events. Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?
The realization that I was where I was supposed to be, doing what I was supposed to do -- be a chemical engineering major in the Naval ROTC program and that my calling was to be an officer in the U.S. Navy. Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?
During my time here, I have met many people from a range of backgrounds. As a result, I had to develop sound defenses of my viewpoints. While my core values have not changed, I have had the ability to become truly confident in what I believe and why I believe it. What Cornell-related scholarships/special financial benefits did you receive?
My ROTC scholarship most definitely made it fiscally possible for me to attend Cornell. While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?
I was a teaching assistant for Introduction to Chemical Engineering. The ability to share my passion for the subject with 80 first-year students was a gift. I also was the new member coordinator and rush chair for Alpha Phi Omega, a community-service organization on campus. I restructured the program to facilitate the significant increase in pledge class size experienced during my time in the organization. I was also honored with membership to a senior honor society, Sphinx Head, and am near the top of my class academically. What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?
Navy ROTC's largest annual event, Cornell University Invitation Drill Competition -- we had more than 500 midshipmen from other universities in attendance, and I got to call the entire formation, which filled the drill deck in Barton Hall, to attention. I will never forget that. What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will be commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in May, and then I am going to flight school in Pensacola, Fla., to become a naval aviator. In 10 years, I see myself still serving this great nation in the U.S. Navy. If, at the end of my life, the world is a better place because I was in it, I will consider my life a success. |
