This student spotlight is about Desha Patel, the new ROTC Commanding Officer (CO) for the 2026-27 school year.
Q: What are your career and college plans?
A: To become a neonatologist in 14 years and attend undergrad somewhere in Texas
for biochemistry followed by med school.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Reading, Watching TV, Singing, Swimming.
Q: What’s your favorite show right now?
Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about ROTC?
A: The people.
Q: What was your initial reaction to hearing that you’d be CO?
A: Excited and honored.
Q: What are your goals for ROTC next year?
A: To get us to nationals and make sure we stay in our budgets and not have
arguments and issues.
Q: How are you going to prepare for next year’s new cadets?
A: Make sure staff is ready to lead and have a set routine down to teach them and make
sure they feel at home and happy in the class.
Q: If you had one thing to say to people thinking about joining ROTC, what would it be?
A: That you’ll never feel alone.
