Jessica Fields is a family and consumer sciences (FCS) major in the human development and family resources sequence. She can be found in our Child Care Center, as well as leading cadets as the battalion commander of ROTC at Illinois State.
So we hear you’re the highest ranked cadet. What does that mean?
I really don’t like to say that I am the number one cadet because there are so many amazing cadets in our ROTC program! What I can say is I was given the awesome opportunity as the battalion commander of our program. This means that I am the highest ranking cadet in charge. This means I am in charge of all the cadets planning, training, and events that have happened.
What are you planning to do in ROTC?
I recently just found out that I will commission as an active duty officer in May. This means that after I commission and graduate, I will serve four years in the military. I am unsure what my branch is until November. I am hoping that I will branch into the Medical Service Corps where I will be working in the field of hospital administration.
“My favorite thing about the FCS Department is that to the department I am not just a number in a lecture hall—I am a person to them.”
Why did you choose human development and family resources (HDFR) sequence? How do you see the military helping out your civilian career?
I chose HDFR because I knew I always wanted to work with children. When I first came to college, I wanted to be a teacher. After taking some education classes, I realized I wanted more flexibility and creativity.
As I was looking into other majors, I found FCS HDFR specializing in child life. I immediately fell in the love with FCS and my professors because they are always there to guide and listen to me. After my career in the military, I plan to go back to school for my master’s degree in child life. If I am able to branch into the Medical Service Corps, I will be spending lots of time in the hospital, which will give me experience in the hospital for when I become a child life specialist.
What is your favorite thing about FCS and working at the Child Care Center?
My favorite thing about the FCS Department is that to the department I am not just a number in a lecture hall—I am a person to them. When I walk into my professor’s office, they actually know my name and remember things about my personal life. It really makes all the difference. My favorite thing about working at the Child Care Center is working with children. Seeing them be creative and full of laughter when I show up to work every day is one of the best feelings in the world.
How do you balance everything you do? Any advice?
Being able to balance everything is not easy at all. I have academics, work, and ROTC while still trying to manage a social life. The way that I balance my life is through making check lists and prioritizing what needs to get done first. Plus, I always make sure that somewhere throughout the day, I give myself some time to unwind. Too often we forget that we need to take time for ourselves.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food would have to be pizza and ranch.
If you could take one person in the world to lunch, who would it be?
Luke Bryan because he is my all-time favorite artist.
