OSU ROTC
Lily Corbin
For most freshmen, just knowing where to find food and their classes is challenging enough. Lily Corbin arrived on campus and joined the ROTC program at Oklahoma State University. Now a sophomore marketing major with a concentration in professional sales and a minor in finance, Corbin is not only a member of the ROTC program, she’s also on OSUs equestrian team.
“I was awarded a national three-year scholarship. When I came to OSU, I had no idea if I was going to accept the scholarship. I decided to at least give ROTC a chance. I took the class when I first started at OSU and became enthralled with it,” said Corbin.
The former Jones High School student said the ROTC program feels more like family after spending her first year in uniform.
“One thing that I enjoy the most about this ROTC program is how supportive the cadets are. It feels like a family, and everyone wants you to succeed and be the best version of yourself that you can be,” said Corbin.
As a member of the equestrian team, Corbin said both activities keep her extremely busy.
“Being on the equestrian team and being a part of ROTC is a lot to manage. Both expect you to give 110 percent. However, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I have a passion for both,” said Corbin.
Corbin said she is following in the footsteps of her parents who were both in ROTC in college.
“Both of my parents were in ROTC in college, and later went active duty in the Army. Throughout my life, they have been the best role models I could ask for. I have always thought they did a great job raising me and my brothers. I always wondered how they made it seem so easy. The one thing that I can think of that makes them the amazing people that they are is that they were in the military. They instilled loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage within all of us. I truly think I turned out the way I did was because of their teachings. I owe it all to them,” said Corbin.
Once her time at OSU comes to an end, Corbin said she plans on continuing her military career on active duty. “After college, I plan on going active duty and am unsure if I will make it a full-time career yet. I hope to specialize in aviation and fly Blackhawks for the U.S Army,” said Corbin.
