Tarquis Thomas is a sophomore computer science major at Bethune-Cookman University, working every day to balance the demands of college life with the discipline of Army ROTC. He chose Cookman partly because of family ties. “Some of my family went here and told me it was an experience I should have for myself,” he said.
Before arriving on campus, Thomas planned to enlist in the Army right after high school. That changed during a spring visit when he stopped by the Greek store. “The owner told me to go to college first so I could get paid more once I joined the military,” he explained. “So I decided to come here and get my degree.”
His interest in the military started at home. His older sister served before him and became the example he looked up to. “I didn’t really have a plan, and she was doing well. She told me going straight to the Army wasn’t the best idea and that I should become an officer so I could lead. I agreed,” he said.
Balancing ROTC with a full academic schedule has not been easy for him, but he sees the long-term value. “It’s difficult at times, but I know it will be worth it. All the hard work and training is preparing me to be a better leader for my future soldiers,” Thomas said.
ROTC has also changed how he approaches school. “I used to procrastinate a lot, but now I stick to a schedule and make sure things are done on time. It’s helped me stay organized in ROTC and in my classes,” he said.
While he is not a veteran yet, he already knows how he plans to spend Veterans Day in the future. “There are a lot of discounts at stores and food places, so that would probably be my first stop,” he said with a laugh. “But I also think about the veterans in my family, like my sister and my stepmom, because they sacrificed a lot.”
Looking ahead, Thomas wants to become a cybersecurity officer once he commissions. He does not see the military as his final career, but rather as a stepping stone. “It’s a foundation for whatever I want to do after. I want to retire earlier and have a stable life, and the military is helping me build toward that,” he said.
Thomas continues to shape his future through discipline, structure, and determination. His journey reflects a student who is preparing not only to serve, but to lead.
