In the more than 240 years since then, a lot of history has been written, which makes it very difficult to be the first to do something. Every now and then you hear something remarkable that proves there is room for growth and breaking new ground in a military branch that has been around as long as the Army.
Sergeant Major Janina Simmons speaks from experience about this. Simmons accomplished many things while wearing the country’s dress, but her most famous achievements include being the first African American to graduate from the US Army Ranger School and the first Ranger-qualified woman to achieve her current rank. Simmons said the weight of her achievements can be overwhelming at times, but she clearly proved able to carry it. That’s because even if you sometimes doubt yourself, victories strengthen and validate faith.
“I’m used to it now, but I still think back and it’s like, ‘You made history twice in an organization that’s been around since 1775. That’s crazy.’
A self-proclaimed average upbringing
Simmons was born in Germany and was introduced to military life early. Her father was from South Carolina and served in Germany, where he met her mother. After moving to Washington state for part of her childhood, they returned to Germany, where she had grown up. She described her own childhood as very average, noting that even though she played basketball, there wasn’t much excitement in her life at the time.
“It was generic and simple.”
The thought of service didn’t cross her mind until Simmons’ father brought it up while she was in college. The concept initially did not appeal to her due to the ongoing problems in Iraq and Afghanistan at the time. Ultimately, she decided to consider joining the Air Force, but was told she couldn’t join after admitting she used an inhaler because of possible asthma. She went to the Army recruiter next door and the recruiter told her she could join there.
“That’s how it all happened.”
Once she started her military career, Simmons found that the more she applied herself, the more she could get out of it. That was all she needed to fully commit to the service. The more effort she put in, the more positive reinforcement and structure she received.
“Then I went to the opposite of what I was before.”
Simmons’ original goal was to serve four years. As she progressed, more goals became within reach, so she began to focus on achieving those goals. This led to her staying for over four years and not only becoming a unique person, but now also serving as an inspiration for other soldiers and future service members who hope to follow their own path in the future. Simmons hopes that while the obvious milestones stand out, they also show how she has developed along her journey, because that is what she is most proud of.
“I’m most proud of the person I’ve become along the way and the consistency I’ve put into it,” she said. “I have been grinding and sprinting for fifteen years.”
Fighting cancer by running marathons
That rut for Simmons continues today, and it also comes with serious setbacks. While at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, she was given a physical exam when lumps were discovered around her pelvic area. Simmons was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer, and initially she thought the worst.
“I thought I was dying, but I was just keeping it real,” she recalls. “I wondered why I was training.”
She found inspiration in the form of David Goggins, and she wondered what he would do if faced with this situation.
“I’d like to think he would just keep it moving. If I hadn’t been told, I wouldn’t even know. The only thing that’s changed is it’s in my mind.”
Doctors told her it seemed to be growing very slowly. However, she had to undergo radiation treatment because the disease had spread. She must receive monthly injections and more radiation every six months to control the disease. She knew that with the treatments, faith in God and a reason to look forward, she could continue. That’s one of the reasons why she made a bucket list, and it included a marathon.
“Even after getting treatment on Friday and feeling like shit for the weekend, I went running that Monday,” Simmons explained. “You almost have to force yourself to act normal.”
There is nothing normal about a marathon, but it has become a new normal. Simmons not only ran, but also qualified for the Boston Marathon. Once again, a personal challenge and effort have led her to reach a peak. Her ongoing journey is a testimony that if you keep your mind strong, you can still achieve great things when faced with adversity of any magnitude.
“You’re still going to have to deal with bad things, but you can still go after them. That’s really my message.”
Simmons is still forward-looking and has plenty of reasons to be excited. One reason is her upcoming book that she just finished and will be released later this year. It describes her story in her own words, but she hopes readers will apply what she shares to their own lives and forge their own legacies. There are many people who consider themselves average or not meant to do anything important, but Simmons’ personal message is that you could be much more capable than you think. It just starts with taking that first step, whether it’s service, fitness or whatever other passion you have.
“When you build self-confidence with small victories, you tend to aim for the stars just a little bit more.”
Simmons Tips for Combating Imposter Syndrome
Sometimes fitness isn’t about the physical; it’s also about the mental aspect. It may come as a surprise that many high-level artists and achievers have struggled with Imposter Syndrome. Simmons has been open about her struggles, but now acknowledges that she was “born average, but earns wildly.” She shares advice on how to combat this so you can keep moving forward and reaching your potential.
- Pay attention to performance – “You tend to listen to the people around you instead of the achievements you have. That has caused me to dim my light. All I do now is a receipt that I can look back on. Do the work, but keep your receipts when you get them.”
- Earn it every day – “You have to recommit and make sure you earn your place at that table, whatever that is for you. It’s not a competition with others, it proves the value for that day.”
- Celebrate the wins – “I understand humility and being humble, but you can celebrate what you’ve done without letting other people down. Those are two different things. I wish more people did that.”
You can follow Simmons on Instagram @thats.straight.
M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.
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