Troya receives $180,000 scholarship
Austin Troya (12) sat in the passenger seat of the car in disbelief, holding his cell phone to his ear.
Sara Escobedo (12), the JROTC Cadet Science Instructor, had called him just seconds before, telling him the recent news concerning his college scholarship.
A few months prior, Troya had submitted his online application for the college scholarship granted by the U.S. Navy.
The application required multiple different pieces.
“There was basically a form that you had to fill out, a counselor certification, teacher recommendations, a personal statement and a high school transcript,” Troya said.
In February, Troya received the news that he had been selected as one of the scholarship recipients.
“Being in ROTC for four years helped me,” Troya said. “There were [also] teacher recommendations and I think it was up to that.”
This $180,000 scholarship covers tuition, books, housing and other college expenses. There is also a monthly allowance that increases exponentially from freshman to senior year.
This scholarship can be put toward any school with the ROTC. The only catch is that the unit can’t be full; otherwise, that school is no longer applicable.
Troya applied for the Air Force scholarship as well and accepted this scholarship over the Navy because the schools that it offered included one of his top choices.
He is now preparing to attend Embry Riddle in Prescott, Arizona. Had he not been able to use this scholarship, he would not have been able to attend his top schools, including Embry Riddle.
“It’s a big relief that I have college paid for,” Troya said. “I would have gone to a cheaper school [without the scholarship].”
Going to a cheaper, more local school would have limited Troya’s opportunities in his career field of choice. Troya also is fond of Embry Riddle because the class sizes are smaller than those of other schools, such as San Diego State.
These military scholarships are not ordinary scholarships. Not only are they particularly high in value, but they also require that the participant serves for at least eight years in the military, in return for the financial assistance. Troya understands this and he plans to serve his country.
“I wouldn’t do it without the scholarship,” Troya said. “[But] ROTC has motivated me to serve.”
After his eight years of service to the military, he eventually wants to pursue a career that is not as military-related.
In school, he plans to study mechanical engineering and graphic design, while also continuing his involvement in ROTC.
Since his freshman year, Troya has been involved in ROTC and has moved up in ranks over the past years. After beginning as a Public Affairs Assistant, Troya is now the Lieutenant Junior Grade.
When entering Westview, Troya wanted to go to the Air Force Academy after finishing high school. Although he has changed his mind about his career path, he still likes being involved in ROTC.
Troya said he has become more mature as far as leadership skills and people skills and he has met many new friends through the program.
“I still want to do ROTC in college, but I don’t want such a full military-influenced [career],” Troya said.