Second Lt. Benjamin Middleton planned to pursue a degree in theater and become an actor until one of his high school teachers, a veteran, spoke about his military career.
"He gave a speech about the men and women who sacrifice their dreams to protect others' abilities to dream," the Greenwood, South Carolina, native said. "Since that moment, I realized I could be an actor when I retire from the military in 20 years. By serving in the military now, I can give someone the ability to chase their dreams."
Middleton earned a scholarship, enrolled at the University of North Georgia (UNG) and joined the Corps of Cadets. As a cadet, he developed leadership skills, which appealed to him. He absorbed those lessons and rose through the ranks. In his senior year, he became a cadet captain and company commander, which is one of the higher leadership positions in the Corps of Cadets.
"I'm all about being a developmental leader," he said, explaining the physical training sessions are the practical situation to do that. "You can see subordinate instructors during the training sessions and find their strengths and weaknesses. It's an easy environment to identify where a cadet's leadership lies."
Middleton applied his leadership skills across campus. He served as a resident assistant within the Corps and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He said Sigma Nu broadened his experience.
"It was like the missing piece of the puzzle," Middleton said, adding he was part of the group's rechartering process. "We were building something together."
He also learned about how UNG built students into professionals through his work with the Alumni Association.
"I really enjoyed talking to veterans, because they had great insights for someone like me, who was becoming an officer," Middleton said. "I was nervous about the life and job I would have when I graduated. Some of the alumni got what branch they wanted, and some didn't. They all had really enjoyable experiences, and it put my mind at ease."
Middleton, who graduated in May 2020 with a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Russian language and literature, received the assignment he requested. He was selected for military intelligence where he will fulfill his dream thanks to UNG.
"I had a family who served in the Army, and the best officers come from North Georgia," he said.
