Forging Resilience: The Citadel's Class of 2025 Reflects on Their Transformative Journey

Cari Staples, a Mechanical Engineering major from Charleston, South Carolina, is an Army contract student who has consistently earned a place on the Dean's List and Commandant's List during her time at The Citadel. Staples is also an active member of the institution's Sailing Club, showcasing her diverse interests and involvement on campus.

Embracing the Narrow Path: Cari Staples' Citadel Experience

Choosing the Road Less Traveled

Cari Staples' decision to attend The Citadel was driven by a desire to challenge herself and chart a different course than her peers. "I chose The Citadel because I wanted to do something different than my peers, and I wanted to challenge myself," she explains. Staples believed that a military college would better prepare her for her future in the Army, a path she had chosen to pursue.

The Significance of the Senior Ring

Receiving the senior ring at The Citadel is a highly symbolic and meaningful event for Staples and her classmates. "Receiving our class rings is a very symbolic and important event," she reflects. "It is a culmination of the past four years, going through the trials and tribulations that make this place unique." The ring represents the collective experience shared by the Class of 2025, forged through the challenges and triumphs they have faced together. "The relationships I have formed here with my classmates are unlike any other friendship I have had or do have outside of here," Staples says. "Going through a challenging system with your peers bonds you like nothing else, and now after all of that, we will receive our rings together."

Transforming into a Leader and a Better Person

Staples believes that the challenges and experiences she has faced at The Citadel have profoundly shaped her as a person. "I believe the challenges and experiences I have faced here at The Citadel have greatly changed me," she says. "They have formed me into a better leader, and better person, by building my resiliency, discipline and maturity." Staples recognizes that the path to self-improvement is often difficult, but she is inspired by the words inscribed on her ring: "Seek the Narrow Path." This phrase, drawn from a Bible verse, reflects Staples' commitment to embracing the challenging journey that leads to personal growth and fulfillment.

Influential Mentors and Cherished Traditions

Throughout her time at The Citadel, Staples has been influenced by numerous individuals, but she singles out her sophomore year First Sergeant, Vincent Massaro, as the most impactful. "He encouraged me to push myself and gave me the confidence to go for a position I might not have had without his guidance," she explains. Massaro's mentorship and guidance as Staples' Command Sergeant Major the following year were instrumental in shaping her leadership abilities.Among the many traditions at The Citadel, Staples' favorite is the Thanksgiving smoke and joke. "It is a really fun time, and everyone gets some good laughs out," she says. "It is also right before Thanksgiving break, so spirits are high. Once you get back from Thanksgiving break there is only a short time before the semester is over, so it somewhat marks the end of the semester."

Advice for the Future

If Staples could go back and give advice to her freshman self, she would emphasize the importance of savoring every moment. "Enjoy every moment, the good and the bad, because once you graduate, you will miss it, and you will especially miss your friends," she advises. Staples recognizes that the years at The Citadel fly by, and it is crucial to appreciate the journey, rather than solely focusing on the next milestone.