“Know ye that reposing special trust and fidelity and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Shania C Jackson, I do promote her to Private First Class in the United States of the Army”. Hearing those words meant that I finally overcame the toughest obstacle I have been faced with in my military career thus far; Height and Weight standards. Five grueling months of dieting and exercise consumed my life, but at this very moment, it all became worth it. All of my hard work and dedication finally paid off, and I received my very first promotion in the military. I will discuss the road to my success, and the bumps and hurdles I had to overcome to get where I am today. It wasn’t an easy feat, but through will power, determination, and commitment,
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During my recovery phase, I was on bed rest and could not participate in any physical activities that could have resulted in more damage to my hip. With no exercise, comes weight gain and I gained a total of fifteen pounds. By the time my recovery period was complete, I was due for my bi-annual APFT. As usual, I passed the physical portion with ease. Then, came the weigh-in portion; I failed. I could not understand how this happened since I did not notice any weight gain or look any differently. I was distraught at this point, I had resentment towards the Army for my injury and for my weight gain. I blamed everyone but myself, and this attitude carried me through the next several months of continuously failing. At the eleventh hour, my mentor pulled me aside and explained I had one chance left to pass weight requirements. I was terrified that I could lose my career that came with all of these amazing benefits and opportunities. I was stricken with a sudden burst of self-motivation and determination that I hadn’t had before. I began vigorous workouts, grilled chicken salads became my best friends, fruits and vegetables filled me every three hours, but not to exceed past 7 pm. I stopped blaming the world for my injury and weight problems, and put my all into losing weight. Within one month of this new attitude and work ethic, I was in compliance. Not only was I
During my recovery phase, I was on bed rest and could not participate in any physical activities that could have resulted in more damage to my hip. With no exercise, comes weight gain and I gained a total of fifteen pounds. By the time my recovery period was complete, I was due for my bi-annual APFT. As usual, I passed the physical portion with ease. Then, came the weigh-in portion; I failed. I could not understand how this happened since I did not notice any weight gain or look any differently. I was distraught at this point, I had resentment towards the Army for my injury and for my weight gain. I blamed everyone but myself, and this attitude carried me through the next several months of continuously failing. At the eleventh hour, my mentor pulled me aside and explained I had one chance left to pass weight requirements. I was terrified that I could lose my career that came with all of these amazing benefits and opportunities. I was stricken with a sudden burst of self-motivation and determination that I hadn’t had before. I began vigorous workouts, grilled chicken salads became my best friends, fruits and vegetables filled me every three hours, but not to exceed past 7 pm. I stopped blaming the world for my injury and weight problems, and put my all into losing weight. Within one month of this new attitude and work ethic, I was in compliance. Not only was I