Vanessa Barsoom
“No one who has succeeded in life only knows success,” said Vanessa. “Successful people excel by learning from failure.”
A senior in Industrial Systems Engineering in the College of Engineering, Vanessa is a leader in Air Force ROTC and a consistent top performer in the high-performing Corps of Cadets. Less than 10 percent of the top-performing cadets entering sophomore year are selected as a Cadet Training Assistant (CTA).
CTAs assist staff and cadet cadre with training the incoming cadet class. Through 18-hour days of physical labor in 14 straight days in August, Vanessa’s hustle earned her the number one spot among eight high-speed CTAs in the 2nd Battalion.
One boring Friday night, Vanessa and several cadet peers were involved in violations of cadet regulations and university policy. That led to formal accountability and sanctioning hearings, shame, and mental anguish.
But ultimately, thanks to Vanessa’s self-understanding and integrity, that mistake led her to reflect on who she was, what she represented, how she wanted to live, and where she wanted to go. By the end of her sophomore year, she was earning more ROTC-level awards, gaining experience in multiple leadership positions and organizations, improving her GPA, and pushing herself to new heights, achieving a near-perfect physical fitness score.
Vanessa felt called to Aerospace from Industrial Systems Engineering and ended her junior year earning a Space Force Guardian role -- a leap into her dream of service in the U.S. Space Force.
This summer, Vanessa was selected for Cadet Cadre at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and further chosen as Cadet Deputy Group Commander. As commander, she led 56 peers and over 230 USAF Prep School cadets going through rigorous Basic Military Training. At the end of her tour, she ranked number one out of 57 cadets.
Her Air Force supervisor said, “Cadet Barsoom frequently sacrificed her time to ensure the mission was effectively completed, exemplifying ‘service before self.’ Her powerhouse communication skills and peer leadership are truly unmatched. She is a natural mentor by holding trainees accountable not just through discipline, but also through the wisdom she has acquired through her own experiences. She consistently demonstrates maturity above her years, a superior level of performance, humility, and a genuine care for others above herself.”
Vanessa plans to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Space Force and serve her country as an Intelligence Officer.
“Vanessa Barsoom is a bright shining light,” said her nominator, “prominent even among other shining lights.”
For her drive to move ahead by looking within, I am pleased to present the Aspire! Award for
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