The Diamond Jubilee
By Grace Carballo ‘17
Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of attending Navy Ball with my most cherished friend, Evan. He is in the NROTC program here and through him, I have gotten to meet some amazing people and future Navy and Marine Corps. officers. Also thanks to his patience and my incessant questions, I like to think I have a better understanding about what ROTC and serving in the Navy really means.
Wow aren’t we photogenic? Don’t be fooled, I’m not just arm candy- I also have a tolerable personality! The whole package, really.
This year marked the 75th anniversary or Diamond Jubilee of the NROTC program at USC and alumni from different graduating classes, the oldest from the first group at USC way back in 1940, also attended the ball. The Spring Ball always focuses on the first class of midshipmen, the men and women who will graduate in a few short weeks, celebrating their accomplishments and wishing them well on their new endeavors. The fourth class, the youngest group, also prepares a funny skit video impersonating those graduating and fellow members of the first class give great speeches at the expense of their comrades, but always lovingly.
Every decision I make seems to be “the next step in a series of random steps”, and yet I spent the night dining with people my age who have already committed to serving this great country after they graduate for 4-5 years, and in many cases longer, because they believe in and are willing to fight for the freedoms we so often take for granted. While I hope my college experience will prepare me for a fulfilling career, they know their knowledge and training is preparing them to lead. When they graduate, they will be commissioned as Officers and have to make tough decisions with lives on the line.
Before, I wrote a post titled Things You Can’t Complain About regarding how, in general, people tend to overuse phrases like “I’m tired.” I would like to qualify my statements by saying that everyone besides ROTC students should steer clear of these complaints because if I had to do what they do, I would be exhausted and you would hear about it. For me, balancing classes, homework, studying, and extracurriculars with basic human functions is difficult enough, but they also have early workouts, difficult courses in addition to their major requirements, and responsibilities far beyond my maturity level.
Needless to say, my respect and admiration for all these impressive men and women is off the charts, especially after getting to know more of the midshipmen in the second class at the ball. They’re all very approachable despite their intimidating good looks and aura of successfulness (see below).
One of the speakers spoke about the over 2,000 officers commissioned in the 75 years since USC’s NROTC was founded, and in particular some very impressive distinguished alumni, including a former Secretary of State. The CNO (Chief Naval Officer), which is the highest rank I learned, even congratulated the alumni, midshipmen, and all those involved in this amazing organization on this diamond anniversary. He wished he could be with all of us and recorded a speech specifically for this event, which is obviously a remarkable honor considering his rank and busy agenda.
We have a lot to be proud of as Trojans and as Americans and the NROTC program is most definitely topping my list on both accounts.
Congratulations and, to quote the Jubilee’s well-made program, “fair winds and following seas” to all those graduating.
