I personally still hate reading and I have always hated the assigned chapter books that I had to read in middle school. I always forced myself to enjoy reading but I see myself as more of a tactile learner – being more involved by carrying out the physical activities. But growing older, I have learned to realize that professional reading is essential to development. No matter how much I hate it, I know that it is imperative to improving self-development as a student and future leader which is why I should read more often. A leader who reads constantly is not necessarily better than a leader who does not because reading will not determine skill however, it will determine level of knowledge and that leader who is constantly reading will always be a step ahead.

I think we as humans have evolved when it comes to attaining knowledge. As Gerber-George said in her post, “Before technology was super common, reading was the only way to make yourself well-rounded and educated on a larger/more global scale.” And I absolutely agree with her and as time passes and technology keeps advancing, there will be more and more ways to acquire knowledge.

Most cadets, if not all, are all involved in extra curricular activities other than ROTC which means that they are constantly busy in and out of the classroom. So throughout the school year, I lean my focus towards academics and ROTC so getting some professional reading is unfortunately the last thing on my mind. However, the only way that I personally can get some professional reading done would probably have to be during the weekend because it is the only time I am not running around going from classes to meetings. But because of the technological advancement, there are always alternatives to professional reading while I am walking from class to class, I can always listen to a TEDTalk or a podcast instead of blasting music.
<p style=”margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; padding: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, ‘Times New Roman’, Times, serif; font-size: 12px;”></p>
In my anthropology class, I have read a case study on structural violence within the Syracuse community. The case study revolved around gang members and had described the breakdown on the demographics within the community and it turned out that most of the gang members who committed crimes were abusers of alcohol and drugs.

V/r,

CDT Celine Oh