I was able to attend and graduate from Air Assault, Master Fitness Trainer, Army Reconnaissance Course, and Bradley Master Gunner School. I also graduated from Drill Sergeant School and currently serve in that role. Lessons Learned I was successful in the military for a couple of reasons. The first is the leaders I have had the opportunity to work with. I was able to work with a wide variety of personalities and leadership styles that I could model myself after. I've definitely had some Soldiers who really tested my patience and creativity as a mentor. Ultimately, though, I was positively influenced by my seniors, peers, and subordinates, and I hope I had a positive impact on my Soldiers. I was failing in civilian life because of my wrongdoings. I allowed the impact of things I couldn't control to affect the way I looked at the world. I would even let go of something I really wanted in life simply because someone else didn't want it for me. We only get one chance at life. It is unfair to ask and expect someone to live their life according to another's expectations. I've learned that making a mistake today won't make you a mess for the rest of your life