Two Paths, One Purpose: Danielle Beck Finds Her Passion in ROTC, Nursing
For Danielle Beck, ROTC training is only part of her commitment to service. As a nursing student, she is also developing the skills for a career centered on caring and advocating for others. As she balances the demands of both pledges, she is learning how the two paths complement one another.
“I chose ROTC and nursing because they both develop a serving attitude,” she says. “As an officer, one of the greatest things you can do is develop and take care of your troops, which is similar to nursing, where you care for and advocate for your patients. ROTC teaches me time management and adaptability, both of which are essential to being successful as a nurse.”
Beck started her journey by joining the South Dakota Army National Guard (SDANG) as a medic while a junior at T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre and later joined ROTC during her freshman year at USD.
“ROTC and the SDANG have greatly expanded my opportunities and gave me a scholarship so I can focus on school,” she explains. “I have been able to experience many amazing things being part of both.”
This past summer, she attended an Air Assault Course, a 10-day training program, where she learned how to attach sling loads and rappel from helicopters. In addition, a trip to the southern U.S. border brought the opportunity for her to work as a medic treating, wrapping and stitching wounds.
“I have been so fortunate for the experiences I've had so far in my short military career,” Beck says.
These experiences, combined with her nursing education, have caused her to think differently about leadership.
“Often, people think leadership is about being loud and commanding, but I believe leadership is more about character and ability to care for those around you,” she says. “ROTC has taught me leadership qualities that can help motivate a team, as well as the importance of building trust and strong connections. I hope to bring a servant leadership attitude toward my future patients as a nurse and toward my troops as an officer in the South Dakota Army National Guard.”
Upon graduating as a registered nurse in May 2027, Beck will commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. However, that won’t be the end of her education, as she hopes to enroll in a physician assistant program and eventually work as a physician assistant in the SDANG.
With each step, Beck continues to build a career centered on leadership, care and service to others, carrying with her guiding principles of service that will guide her long after graduation.
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