LEXINGTON, Va. Oct. 23, 2023 — Samantha Waters ’26 chose Virginia Military Institute because she wanted to become the best version of herself.  

“After visiting with my dad, I knew this place offered something great,” she said.

Waters went into VMI knowing it has a tough first year with the ratline, which pushes you past where you thought your limits were.  

“The next three years are filled with rigorous academics, military obligations, and plenty of opportunities to get involved in various leadership positions,” she said. “All while promising a 99% job placement after graduation. It also has a reputation for producing great leaders. I knew I wanted to be a part of this.” 

She also decided as a rat to sign up for Naval ROTC. She was initially interested in NROTC because of her father, who served in the Marine Corps, and brother, who attends the Naval Academy. She said she looked up to both her father and brother, but also wanted to serve her country.  

“Participating in NROTC as a rat was great,” she said. “NROTC was my break from the ratline, and I was able to learn about the Navy. Since VMI bases its standards on the Army, I was excited to learn new things in Navy class, lab, PT, etcetera.” 

Following graduation, she plans on commissioning into the Navy for an aviation slot, but surface warfare also piques her interest.  

As an economics and business major, she chose VMI’s networking in the business world. She also chose it as a second option if she didn’t stay in the Navy for her entire career — she could have the opportunity with something else that interested her.  

Applying for scholarships 

Waters said she started applying for NROTC scholarships, which are competitive.  

“I applied for the four-year scholarship and was denied,” she said. “It was really upsetting for me, because I knew this is what I wanted to do, and I needed the help paying for out-of-state tuition at VMI.”  

She said her first year at VMI she did everything she could to better herself and make herself more competitive for scholarships. She said she had a lot of support from the NROTC staff and midshipmen.  

In competing for a scholarship, she attended New Student Indoctrination, which is about two and a half weeks of instruction. It’s similar to basic training, Waters said, but in a shorter time frame.  

“About a week after I got home, I got a phone call from my unit's commanding officer that I was awarded the three-year scholarship. This pays for my tuition, guarantees commission, funds summer cruises, and pays monthly,” she said.  

Waters’ responsibilities with NROTC include being fireteam lead.  

“Everyone in NROTC has their own personal responsibility to turn paperwork in on time, push themselves and others around them to succeed, and make the best out of the opportunities they have been given,” she said. “However, as a fireteam leader, I am responsible for the accountability and well-being of my fireteam. This includes the second half of my squad, which is four people.” 

The biggest draw for her? The impact that she will be making with her future. 

“I loved learning that I would one day serve this country in the Navy. VMI is preparing me to be the best leader I can be, and NROTC at VMI was the best path for me to achieve greatness,” she said.  

Cadet Samantha Waters ’26 
VMI NROTC Midshipman
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 

Laura Peters Shapiro 
Communications & Marketing 
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE