Her dream was to get into International Law.  Having attended a small Christian school as a girl, where she was also partially homeschooled, one would think that Essence Ambers would have been slightly hesitant about joining the Army National Guard her first year as a freshman at Judson College. But for Essence she saw only the possibilities leading to her ultimate goal, and never looked back.

 Now as a senior at Judson, Essence has since seen the door of opportunity open to her many times.  In 2008, she became one of the few JudsonCollege students to choose to enroll in a unique ROTC partnership program between her institution and Marion Military Institute – a top five military school located just a few blocks from the Judson campus.

 “I knew that MMI had an accredited ROTC program from the time I was a Judson freshman but I had to wait until I was a junior to enroll,” says Essence.

 As a student enrolled in the Judson/MMI ROTC program, Essence takes her college classes on the Judson campus and her military classes and training at nearby MMI, a process that will eventually allow her to graduate with a four-year degree AND receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army.

 Not only that, but with an Army ROTC Scholarship to Judson, the ROTC pays for all four-years of college tuition. See ROTC AND JUDSON COLLEGE.

 “I think my experience in the military will help me get into International Law and it’s also helped me financially. My instructors, at both Judson and MMI, are wonderful with helping me when there’s a class schedule conflict - the schools have such a tight-knit relationship.”

 Essence loves “playing army” during her field training exercises and getting to interact with other MMI cadets – who “know she’s a ‘special student’ but still treat her as one of their own.” During the summer 2009, Essence had the opportunity to travel to Washington to take part in the Army’s Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC), an experience she won’t soon forget, where she played the part of “motivator” because of her positive attitude and constant smile.

 “I met different calibers of ROTC cadets from different schools.  This whole experience has really helped me become more proficient in military tactics and knowledge. I’ve grown so much as a person – through ROTC and JudsonCollege – spiritually and intellectually about life.”

 Essence plans to attend law school one day and consistently finds hands-on experience as a student of Judson Criminal Justice professor Dr. John Weber who, as a practicing lawyer, often allows his students to observe his live trials.

 “Everyday is a blessing – it’s tiring – but with every trial comes growth. You have to allow God to grow through you wherever you are at and you’ll see overall growth. This place, and that combination, gets you ready for life on the outside.”

 * Judson is also proud to be listed as a “YellowRibbonSchool” as part of “The Yellow Ribbon Program.”

 Essence is also a member of Judson’s SGA!  Check out the SGA’s homepage and Calendar of Events.