From an Eagle Scout to a JROTC member and now committed to the Air Force Academy, Lorelei Mitchell has dedicated her life to serving. Mitchell is currently a senior and the battalion commander of JROTC.
Mitchell’s father is who influenced her decision to join the Air Force. He suggested the military due to her very black-and-white personality. She agreed with her dad and has come to enjoy the strict lifestyle.
“I like waking up at the same time every day,” said Mitchell, who is also a Memorial drum major. “If I get in, I would be living a lifestyle that I like, so that’s really what inspired me to go for it.”
Mitchell has been pushing herself to her limits in order to get in. Working hard in leadership, academics and especially athletics, which she claims to be her biggest obstacle.
“Out of all of them, athletics is the one I’m struggling with the most,” Mitchell said. “I have to find time to work out or stay physically fit, so when I go to the academy, I’m not sucking wind.”
Sergeant Major Salvador Montez has mentored Mitchell for two years throughout JROTC. He sees her as a spearheaded woman. Montez has frontloaded a lot on Mitchell, which has pushed her to become the leader she is today.
“I could see her leading a big unit,” Montez said. “I’m sure she will make mistakes, but that’s what a good leader does and she will learn from them and continue to drive forward.”
Mitchell is one of a few Memorial seniors who plan to serve in the military, including Jacob Swafford (Air Force), Aidan Elliott (Marines) and Carlos Garcia (Marines).
In the future, Mitchell hopes to become a meteorologist. She plans to be a part of a regimen that flies planes into dangerous storms to gather information.
“I would get a pilot slot and would also be doing what I love,” Mitchell said. “Outside of the military, and I guess civilian careers, I would love to be a meteorologist.”
Overall, Mitchell is excited to start this new chapter and face this difficult challenge head on.
“If you get in, that’s an extremely hard, selective process,” Mitchell said. “I just know it would be good for me and hopefully I’ll be good for it.”
