New cadets experience intro to Corps
Article By: Clark Leonard
More than 50 freshman cadets completed their introduction into the Corps of Cadets during the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Freshman Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) Week from Jan. 7-11.
Julian Trollinger, an Adairsville, Georgia, resident pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, is a member of the Georgia Army National Guard and is on the Georgia Military Service Scholarship. Through his first few days on campus, he is already impressed by his fellow cadets, who planned and executed FROG Week, as they do with all other cadet events.
"They're focused on helping us learn and grow," Trollinger said.
Trollinger said he chose to attend UNG because of his desire to serve in the military and the university's strong cybersecurity program.
Ben Hayes, a junior from Johns Creek, Georgia, pursuing a degree in accounting, serves as the 2nd Battalion command sergeant major and helped lead FROG Week.
Hayes is on the National Service Leadership Track and said leadership opportunities like FROG Week are part of the appeal of UNG even for cadets who decide not to commission.
The sophomores, juniors and seniors who put together FROG Week also could understand where the new cadets were coming from because of how recently they experienced the introduction to UNG's military and academic elements.
"It's nice to smooth the transition for these guys and ease nerves," Hayes said.
Ashleigh Sheppard, a junior from Dawsonville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in sociology, serves as brigade public affairs officer for the Corps of Cadets, with one of her main roles being to take photos of Corps events. She joined the Corps with an eye toward becoming an Army officer, a path encouraged by her father, who served as an enlisted soldier. Sheppard enjoys watching the transformation during FROG Week.
"I feel genuinely proud looking at these new cadets as they graduate from FROG Week," she said.
Mason Bell, a sophomore from Winder, Georgia, pursuing a degree in accounting, is also on the Georgia Military Service Scholarship.
He joined the National Guard and came to UNG a couple of years after graduating high school as he sought out more structure after working his way up to management at Ingles. Part of the appeal for assisting with FROG Week for Bell is seeing future leaders of the Corps blossom.
"This place really shapes people to be more proficient than the average soldier," Bell said.
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