Cadet Karessa Hill is a junior from Greenville, South Carolina. Hill is an Intelligence and Security Studies major who is pursuing a contract with the Marine Corps.

Hill answered a series of questions from Kamryn Peebles, this year’s Regimental Public Affairs NCO, in honor of Women’s History Month and in celebration of 25 Years of Female Cadet Graduates at The Citadel.

Why did you choose The Citadel for your college experience? 

I decided to come to The Citadel because I wanted to pursue a Marine Corps contract. I’m from Greenville, South Carolina, so The Citadel would allow me to do that while remaining close to home. I was also attracted to the military structure and how it causes the school to stand out from other colleges and universities in South Carolina with ROTC programs.

When you’re faced with a challenge, what motivates you to overcome it?

When faced with a challenge, the opportunity to grow and gain experiences motivates me to overcome it. I’ve always had a strong sense of resiliency and I’ve used that to land on my feet when faced with challenges and learn as much as possible from them. While being at The Citadel I’ve faced a plethora of challenges but being here has also taught me when I make a decision, I stick with it. 

What inspired you to choose your major? Do you have any post-graduation plans? 

I was inspired to pick my major of Intelligence and Security Studies because it sounded interesting to me at the time and I wanted to learn more about the topic. Post graduation at some point, I plan to attend graduate classes and get a master’s in International Studies, and use it after the Marine Corps to help me get a job potentially at a three-letter agency.

Are you involved in any clubs or extracurriculars at The Citadel?

During my free time I’m a student filmer for the football team. Additionally, I film with the broadcast team for ESPN here on campus. So for various sports seasons, I help broadcast certain games. 

What resources or support systems have you found helpful during your time at The Citadel?

In my junior year I found my TAC officers to be extremely helpful in my professional and personal development. Commander Adcock and First Sergent Lewis have been amazing in giving me guidance in my role as Battalion Sergeant Major and showing me how I can translate things I learn here at The Citadel to being a Platoon Commander in the USMC. 

As a woman at The Citadel, what advice would you give to other women who are considering coming here?

As a woman at The Citadel the advice I’d give to incoming women is simple — The Citadel is not an unconquerable challenge. It only is if you decide to make it one. Many have done it before you and many will do it after.

About Regimental Public Affairs NCO Kamryn Peebles

Kamryn Peebles is a biology major who lives in Conway, South Carolina and is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania. Peebles is the Regimental Public Affairs NCO on campus and wants to pursue a career in optometry or physical therapy.