By Cadet Logan Miller, Regimental Public Affairs Officer, Varsity Track Team
It was spring break 2014. My family and I were on a college search adventure when we stopped at The Citadel. I knew nothing about the school, only that it was a military college. I certainly did not realize that this brief stop at The Citadel would start a life-changing transition taking me from my home in Kannapolis, North Carolina, to my new home in Charleston, South Carolina for the next four years.
On September 20, 1996, I was born to Sonya Green-Miller and Vincent Miller. My mother always stressed the importance of a great education as I was growing up. She inspired me to work hard to succeed in school and instilled in me a desire to make a difference in the world some day, in my own way.
I started applying to colleges at the beginning of my senior year in high school. My mother asked me about The Citadel, reminding me of our visit there. I told her that I was not considering it, thinking it was out of my reach, but she persisted in encouraging me to apply, and because they waived the application for me, I was able to do it. One week after submitting my application, I received an acceptance letter. I was thrilled because the turnaround time was so quick. I strongly felt that God wanted me there for a reason.
After a pre-knob visit where high school seniors get to spend a day and night on campus, followed by an interview with The Citadel Honors College, I knew that God was pushing me to go to The Citadel. However, I ran into some challenges on the way.
Fast-forward to April 2015, two months before my high school graduation. I received my financial package and to my surprise, I was $9,000 in the hole. I vividly remember walking into my mother’s room before she went to work, crying to her that I was not going to be able to attend the place that had become my dream, the number-one military college in the South. My mother wanted to help but simply was not in the position to be able to provide the money. Immediately, I went to my room, got on my knees, and prayed for an answer. A few days later some generous strangers−four Citadel alumni−graciously donated funds to help with my tuition. Just like that, I matriculated with the class of 2019.
Fast-forward again to three years after that. I am senior who has made the Gold Star and Dean’s List. I have traveled around the globe three times to study abroad. I have held positions of rank, including being Regimental Public Affairs Officer, and have been a varsity track athlete. I have earned several awards and am going to graduate with a degree in Health, Exercise and Sports Science. Finally, I find myself earning the band of gold!
When I first set eyes on this beautiful campus, I never would have imagined this journey, but with God, anything is possible. To me, the ring represents honor, courage, and discipline. I know it will help me in my quest to become a physician’s assistant in the U.S. Air Force.
I am the first in my family to graduate from The Citadel, but I hope I am creating a legacy for others here. Thank you, Col. John Falkenbury, Mr. Brian Floyd, Senator Robert Hayes and Col. Russ Olsen, for making this journey possible. With the ring, I know I have the power to make a profound impact on the world.
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