Miah Ruiz - Pain is only temporary but quitting lasts forever

“Congratulations to the Virginia Military Institute’s Newest Army ROTC Scholarship 4-year awardee, Miah Ruiz!”

- Homwtown: Covina, CA

GPA: 3.78
Hometown: Covina, CA
Major: International Studies
Classification: High School Senior
Career goal: To serve and protect my country in the armed forces and have a career with the FBI
Motto: “Pain is only temporary, but quitting lasts forever.”

Congratulations to Miah Raylene Ruiz, a senior at South Hills High School in West Covina, CA. We congratulate her on being awarded a 4-year ROTC scholarship to study at the Virginia Military Institute. Miah will enter VMI this fall.

Read more about Miah below, in her own words.

I am committed to upholding the seven core values at VMI and take pride and honor in being selected as an Army ROTC cadet. It is my goal to make an impact and be a part of something greater than I. The education and life skills I will learn at VMI, the Army ROTC program, will prepare and equip me to hone and sharpen my skills to achieve my long-term goals. It is with great pride and expectation that I look forward to being part of an institution that instills and cultivates honor, loyalty, integrity, respect, while developing strong leadership skills and a sense of us.

Growing up, I was taught that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy; it takes sacrifice, selflessness, dedication, and hard work. Others may perceive my life as entitled or easy, but I truly understand the value of “To whom much is given, much is required”. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and great determination. I truly grasp how goals are achieved; the limit does not exist except in your mind and within the boundaries you put in your way. My parents have lived by example and shown me how time, patience, and perseverance provide a great return.

Not only my parents, but also my mentors have taught me to be a selfless leader and always to put others first. Being a leader is not a dictatorship; it is someone who knows how to listen, make sacrifices, and make decisions for the well-being of the team as a whole. It is also someone who leads by example and models the what and why things need to be done. I have been a Girl Scout, a captain for both my high school and club soccer team, helped my church prepare Thanksgiving meals for the homeless during the holidays, and served as a member of ASB during all four years of high school. These roles in and out of the classroom have helped shape me into the person I am today and prepare me for the next chapter of my life at VMI and in the Army ROTC program.

During my collegiate career at VMI, it is my goal to take advantage of the enormous opportunities that are presented and available to me. I will go in with determination and focus entirely on the primary goal of one day serving my country and upholding the Constitution to the best of my ability. I want to leave my life print and legacy to be the change I want to see in the world.