By Lisa Malindima, Senior Community Organizational Leadership Student and ROTC Cadet
Life has a way of leading us down paths we’d never imagine, and my story is one of those journeys. I was born in Malawi, a beautiful country with deep cultural roots, coming from an immigrant family with limited resources, I learned the value of resilience early on. For me, a career in the United States Army wasn’t just a career path—it was a way to invest in myself, to break out of limitations, and to create a life of purpose.
In May 2022, I took my first big step by enlisting as a 92 Alpha. I shipped off to Basic Training, where I pushed myself harder than ever. When I returned from AIT in September 2022, I knew my journey was only beginning. I had a vision for my future: I wanted to commission as an officer, to lead and make an impact in a deeper way.
My first attempt to make this dream a reality led me to Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Camp Atterbury. OCS was demanding, and I knew it would test every ounce of my strength. But despite my efforts, things didn’t work out as I had hoped. That setback was devastating, but it only ignited my drive. I wasn’t ready to let go of my dream of commissioning.
At that time, I was living in South Bend, driving back and forth to Indianapolis for drill. The commitment was intense, but I saw each mile as a reminder of my dedication. Determined to move forward, I applied to IU Indianapolis in January 2023 and was thrilled to be accepted. After being accepted I moved to Indianapolis the next month in February. I reached out to Mr. Barker about joining the ROTC program, knowing it could be my next step toward commissioning.
Joining ROTC after OCS was a shift, but one I was ready for. ROTC has been a humbling teacher of resilience and patience. As an SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) cadet, I’ve had a unique experience bridging two worlds: in OCS, everyone has prior experience, while in ROTC, I work with peers who are newer to the military life. It’s a different dynamic, but one that has pushed me to grow and adapt as a leader.
One of the most interesting parts of my journey has been serving as a cadet in the same unit where I began as an enlisted soldier. Experiencing the shift from enlisted roles to understanding the responsibilities of an officer has given me a new appreciation for leadership and motivated me to continue this path.
Never, in a million years, could I have imagined that a girl from a third-world country with cultural roots so far removed from the American military would find herself pursuing a career as an active-duty officer. This journey has forced me out of my comfort zone, taught me resilience, and shown me what it truly means to lead and serve. It’s a journey I carry with pride, one that has shaped me into a better version of myself, ready to face whatever comes next!
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