Story 68 - Committed to Serve
September 11, 2001 is a day that changed our nation’s history. For many alumni, it is a day we will never forget. For our mentors and mentees, it is a day they learn about in school. Now, as a country, we acknowledge this day as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. Natalie Karrels and Wyatt Vivier are current NHRI Leadership Mentors who are enrolled in UNL’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program. They share how both programs are developing their leadership skills.
Natalie, a senior at UNL who is part of LDP Southeast and is in the UNL Army ROTC Program. “I got involved with ROTC after having a desire to serve while also wanting a college experience. It has been one of the most impactful parts of my college experience. Being in NHRI has helped me in ROTC because it has shown me how important it is to invest in each individual and create meaningful connections that can help us build trust and motivate each other when completing difficult tasks.”
“ROTC and NHRI are both communities on campus that have allowed me to create community, build connections with people from all over campus, and develop my leadership skills through building investment relationships.”
A Lincoln native, Wyatt, was a Leadership Mentee in LDP Lincoln High before he became a Mentor. Now a senior at UNL, Wyatt is part of Lincoln East Project
“I served four years in the US Air Force on Active Duty as a Weapons Director for the 726 ACS. I left the Air Force in 2021 after receiving a scholarship to play baseball at Doane University, but after one season I decided to step away and return to my other passion, the Air Force, and that’s when I landed in UNL’s Air Force ROTC program. The Air Force has been the only thing in my life I’ve enjoyed as much as the game of baseball.” Wyatt shared that he is now a volunteer baseball coach at Lincoln Southeast High School.
“There are many similarities between ROTC and NHRI. In both organizations I get the opportunity to lead and learn from my peers. Empathy is the one trait that ties the two organizations together most. We talk a lot in ROTC about developing people, and connecting to them to grow together as leaders and individuals. Each organization understands the fundamental codependence of people.”
“Being in NHRI has helped me be more vulnerable with my peers in ROTC, and through this I’ve been able to connect with my classmates more. Opening up to them and connecting deeper has got myself and my friends through some tough moments over the last two years.”
Thank you, Natalie and Wyatt, for your service. NHRI Leadership Mentoring joins our Nation in honoring those who are committed to serve.