My name is Jillienne Schwarz. I am 16 years old and enrolled at Conroe High School. I am an active and friendly girl who just loves to live my life with happiness and fun. I believe that to "step up" and be a team leader is to support those around me with faith and motivation. Along with hard work, anything is possible. Even though I was never involved in typical high school sports (i.e. basketball, volleyball, or cheerleading), I took part in J.R.O.T.C (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps). This group is a big part of my life, not only mentally but physically. I learned how to get in shape through strenuous physical challenges and learned how to be a team leader. It wasn't always easy, but I learned to push myself and do my very best, especially in team situations. The one time I consider to be my "step up" moment was at a J.R.O.T.C competition in October 2005. I was placed on the physical fitness team as captain for the competition, and I was ecstatic. This was my time to prove to myself and others that I can succeed. I can work hard and help others do their very best in a competitive arena. Let me tell you though, it was no picnic. We trained for months in advance to get physically fit. We trained by doing at least 30 pull-ups, 75 sit-ups in less than one minute, and we also had to run one mile in less than 10 minutes. Yes, it was a grueling task, but with leadership, courage and hard work, I felt we could bring home a first place trophy. On the day of competition, I knew we were ready. Before we started our event, I gathered my team. Some of the girls were worried and getting nervous. I knew I had to say something to boost their confidence. This is what I told them, "Strength comes from the heart, motivation too; if you just give it your all and put your faith in God and yourself you'll be able to do anything. So get out there and make me and our team proud! HOOAH!!!" While I am sad to say we only came in 3rd place, it was certainly a great accomplishment for me and my team. We bonded and grew stronger. We trained hard and worked together to prep for the spring competition. Guess what - we came in 1st! This was a happy ending to a really great year. I accomplished what I wanted to with this team. Motivation, faith, trust in ourselves and others and most of all, I learned that to be a team leader it takes going a "step up" from the norm and pushing myself and others to be the best that we can be!