Young Americans have more opportunities to succeed and prosper than ever before. One area that has seen growth in recent years is providing services through the military. The nation’s future will depend on the shoulders of the brave men and women who choose to serve in all branches, and the leaders of each are confident that the heroes in waiting will be ready to answer the call.
A shining example of this is Yale Air Force ROTC Cadet- Captain Samantha Tishler. The Glastonbury, CT native is studying mechanical engineering, has a certificate in Russian, and is already well on her way to achieving some big goals she has set for herself.
“My goal is to become a pilot in the Air Force,” said Tishler, who knows what it takes and is preparing for what awaits on that journey.
“I am incredibly passionate about all things leadership, fitness and aviation.”
When Tishler was looking for a school to attend, Yale was one of the schools she visited and knew it would be a perfect fit for her.
“It’s a great community, and I also chose it because of the great education.”
Fitness as a basis
Knowledge is power, but the physical demands of serving in the military are great. Fortunately, Tishler has already invested many hours into becoming her best physical self, because being active was a big part of her childhood.
“My family does a Turkey Trot every year, and I’ve done the Manchester Road Race. Our family enjoys running, cycling and walking.”
She has been playing soccer for as long as she can remember, but also started playing softball in high school. That dedication to herself and a team has continued in college, where she played intramural sports such as football and basketball. She has also run three half-marathons and participated in a September 11 stair climb.
Tishler said sports can be a great way to learn skills that can apply to both being part of a team and leading one.
“Obviously you have to compete both physically and mentally. Combining those two things is really good exercise.”
Tishler was able to take her focus on fitness and leadership to a new level last year when she served as one of two Squadron Physical Fitness Officers, which meant she worked under the Head Physical Fitness Officer and got to lead her squadron during Tuesday and Thursday morning training.
Many would feel the pressure of having to be ready at 6 a.m. for this role, but Tishler excelled because she knew the training, could set the tone, and was very capable of showing others what to do and how to do it.
“I loved this role because it gave me the opportunity to set the tone by bringing energy, morale and camaraderie to ROTC training,” she stated. “It has greatly enhanced my leadership skills.”
Leads from the front
Tishler embraces every opportunity that helps her grow and make a difference. Her role as chair of the Peace and Dialogue Leadership Initiative, a fellowship between Yale students and West Point cadets, does just that. They recently studied the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which gives her the opportunity to learn more about international affairs. Because she knows you can learn more by listening and observing, she also pays attention when other leaders speak to voters and each other.
“I also regularly attend political union debates to hone my ideas and how I convey them,” she said. Tishler isn’t sure if she will play a role in politics in the future, but the debates do serve as a leadership learning tool.
“I’m not sure where my career will take me, but there are so many opportunities in the Air Force that I have come to explore. I think it would satisfy many of my interests.”
She has been in a position where she has been able to learn from leaders who came before her. Two inspirations she considers influences are Air Force Lieutenants Nita Qiu and Thomas Nardini, both of whom were seniors during Tishler’s freshman year.
“They always took care of me,” Tishler remembers. “They both saw that I was very dedicated and guided me by giving many tips. They also gave me the opportunity to say their first greeting during the commissioning.”
Whether from the front of the room, behind leaders guiding her, or during a game, Tishler has learned and shares the importance of making the most of whatever position you have or where you stand in a room.
“You can lead anywhere, regardless of your title or situation.”
Ready to defend freedom together with others
Tishler looks forward to the day she officially becomes a pilot and begins her military career. She is willing to put in the work, but understands that being part of the Air Force means working for and alongside many other patriotic people like herself. That’s more than a goal for her; they will be ways to indulge various passions she has had throughout her life.
Tishler said, “I’m already studying mechanical engineering, I’m interested in the political side, I like flying and I like leadership. My interests are everywhere.”
The prospect of service excites Tishler because she knows that with every assignment, mission or other opportunity to put her skills to good use, she is serving not only herself, but those who make the same commitment as her and ultimately the American people. Being part of something bigger than herself and doing important work that benefits others is an opportunity she doesn’t want to waste. The experience she gained at Yale will come in handy as she has proven that she can perform well when helping others.
“You can do a lot as an individual, but if you put the success of the group above your own, you can do so much more as a team.”
You can find more information about Yale University’s ROTC program on their website.
M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article
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