While joining the military requires endless training and hard work, Coppell High School senior Brooklyn Branum is confident in her abilities to fulfill her dreams. 

Following in her grandfather Sergeant Thomas Eaton’s footsteps, Branum hopes to continue his achievements by attending a military academy after high school and becoming a military officer.

“I lived with him for a few years and I realized that he was a central foundation to me,” Branum said. “I wanted to carry on his legacy by being a foundation full of knowledge and strength for other people as well.”

During the course of her military pursuit, Branum was awarded Honor Cadet at The Airman Leadership School in September at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells. 

“The program trains youth to be ready for military life physically,” Branum said. “Receiving the Honor Cadet Award was special because that means out of the 100 people that went, I was the top trainee. One of the things that made me eligible was my support for my team so if you just take that initiative, you’ll see so many benefits.”

Branum is currently training for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Receiving this prestigious scholarship grants students financial assistance to any college or university that has a military unit.

“The Naval Academy is my dream school and I’m fighting for it,” Branum said. “I have to get nominated by a senator or congressman, so right now I’m in the process of interviewing.  You can’t be well-rounded but not ready to lead so you have to be prepared in all aspects.”

Branum’s determination highlights her strength of character. 

“I am so proud of her and I think that she is well suited for this just because she has always had so much discipline,” Branum’s mother Ashlee Eaton said. “She doesn’t shy away from the task at hand and she’s just true to herself, her values and her morals.”

Branum portrays her best self in everything she does, incorporating her morals and values.

“I think Brooklyn is incredibly mature for her age,” AP Drawing teacher Michelle Hauske said.  “She is very passionate, she knows what she wants and she’s taking all of these steps to get there. She stands out from a lot of seniors who aren’t quite sure where they want to go.”

Art allows Branum to express herself, delving into her ambitions in life. 

“She works on artwork through lunch and we’ve had conversations about her goals,” Hauske said. “Her artwork is about her aspirations for a military career so she’s exploring those topics in them.” 

After serving in the military, Branum hopes to continue serving her nation.

“After the military, I think I would stay in public service,” Branum says. “I’ve thought a lot about this and I would like to go into politics for a few years. Whatever I’m doing in my life, I want it to be community building.”

Outside of school, Branum spends her time working in the early mornings.

“I’ve worked at Sonic for over a year and a half and I think I’ve really solidified some leadership skills in that area,” Branum said. “I open from 5:30-9 a.m. some mornings and I train people that come in. I try to be as helpful as I can, even when I’m leaving the shift.”

With schoolwork, job commitments and military training, Branum manages her time efficiently. 

“I remind myself that saying you don’t have time for something is usually just an excuse,” Branum said. “There is a way and I have the will to make it happen. That is my motivation.”

Branum acknowledges the hardships she will face in the military but is steadfast in her confidence in herself.

“It’s hard to deal with the pressure of protecting our nation and that lives are in your hands,” Branum said. “But you have to be OK with that because who else is going to do it? If not them, then me.”

With her experience in the military, Branum aspires to uplift her country, contributing her skills and leadership capabilities.

“It’s about understanding my world and understanding the good and the bad, emphasizing that there’s a lot of areas that need improvement,” Branum said. “I want to help those areas and I want to focus on changing the world from a deeper perspective.”

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