Juan Figueroa, a junior BEM major, attended the US Air Force Academy National Character and Leadership Symposium. The theme of the conference was Warrior Ethos. Juan learned that warrior ethos means “being tough-minded and resilient, with the ability to stay motivated,” characteristics he feels are essential to leadership.
Dr. Justin Stoddard’s session on resiliency was particularly meaningful to Juan. “He defined resiliency as the ability to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors. There are going to be adversities that come to us in many ways, shapes and forms, and we must have the ability to stay strong and recover, because that is the only way we are going to grow and develop character.”
Another inspiring session was a panel discussion on Master Sergeant John Chapman who died in service in Afghanistan. “For his bravery he was awarded the medal of honor. The panelists described him as someone who was willing to put everyone before himself, which is what he did on the battlefield. He put himself on the line for his teammates, his group and his country. I believe a leader must be able to put everyone before himself.”
Juan’s biggest takeaway from the experience is the fact that he is part of a generation that will be tomorrow’s leaders. “Therefore, I believe that leadership is something that we must practice in our daily life.”