- Name: Cadet William E. Taylor
- Hometown: Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- School: Virginia Military Institute
- Major: Modern Languages with focus in Arabic
- 1st Brigade - Marshall-New Market Battalion "Train to Lead"
What makes the Cadet stand out among his/her peers?
Cadet William Taylor ’22 became a nation-wide example of resilience and determination when he was featured in almost every major US news network in spring 2020. When Virginia Military Institute (VMI) transitioned to online learning, he faced connectivity challenges as a resident of rural Pennsylvania. Cadet Taylor lives on a farm in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and had no WIFI in his house to enable online distance learning requirements – the norm during the 2020 spring semester. He found the best cell phone service in a nearby field and set up his new classroom: a tent in the field. There, he took classes, studied and kept in touch with his fellow cadets.
His drive and determination continued over the summer. While his selection to Project Go 2020 did not come to fruition as originally planned (due to COVID-19 restrictions), Cadet Taylor participated in its online version as well.
His story was covered by ABC News, CBS This Morning, WSLS 10-NBC, Army News Service, Fox News, VMI Alumni Association, FOX56, and more.
In the Cadet's Own Words:
“I joined because I wanted to make a difference by serving as a chaplain. In general I felt a calling to become a pastor, and I saw that providing spiritual support for those who serve is what I wanted to do specifically. My older brother – Brody Taylor – and his attendance to VMI, as well as his current service as a Marine Corps 2LT, motivated me to become a leader in the military.”
How do you manage ROTC and your other college commitments?
I manage ROTC and college requirements by organizing all tasks using tools like a daily planner and, later during execution, taking it one step at a time. My faith plays a central part knowing that God is in control.
About Army ROTC
Army ROTC is one of the best leadership courses in the country and is part of your college curriculum. Through classes and field training, Army ROTC provides you with the tools to become an Army Officer without interfering with your other classes. ROTC also provides you with discipline and money for tuition while enhancing your college experience.
Army ROTC offers pathways to becoming an Army Officer for high school students, current active duty Soldiers, and for current National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers through the Simultaneous Membership Program.
Read more #ArmyROTC news and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
Social Sharing