-Several Cadets mentioned they do not have time or energy for professional reading during our classroom discussion. Is professional reading an essential element of self-development? Is a leader who reads constantly better than one who does not?……..Reading to me is more of a luxury than anything else. As I’ve noticed from a few posts of other CDT’s, reading is no their number on priority. After a day full of classes, work, labs, and homework, there really is not much time left for me to read. With that said, on the contrary, I do believe reading is a great way to gain knowledge and intellect on just about anything. It not only informs you on new information, but assist in your ability to enrich your level of writing. As future leaders, whether or not who reads more isn’t going to be the deciding factor on who is better than who, its the knowledge gained and applied that sets a leader above his peer.

-Is the concept of ‘professional reading’ dated? In the developing world of smart phones and mobile technology should the idea of what professional reading evolve too? Are there digital alternatives to the ‘older concept’ of reading? For example resources on: YouTube, TED Talks, or other digital media……..I would not say it is a “dated” term, but more of an evolved task. As Mr. Simontis talks about in his article is the evolution of the way reading has adapted with technological advances. As the questions clearly states, there are new concepts of what some may not consider reading, such as TED Talks, Youtube, that instill similar knowledge into your mind that a book would do. Some may say these methods are more user friendly, and efficient than reading a book, which I completely agree with. For those that live extremely busy lives such as myself, having resources that get valuable information into your mind in an efficient manner are extremely beneficial.

How can Cadets fit ‘professional reading’ into an already busy academic schedule? How to do you manage to get some professional reading done?…..The only way I see it possible is just getting it done, I don’t see any other way around it. This ties back into the our responsibility as future leaders, sometimes there may be tasks we are assigned that we do not particularly want to do, but they have to be done. Its a part of taking self responsibility, and getting things done.

Respectfully,
CDT William Northrop