INSPIRATION IN OUR COMMUNITY How Higher Education Helped Me Shatter the Glass Ceiling

By Gregory Mowle Gregory Mowle

Growing up as the first-born son, cousin, and grandchild, my family’s expectations were high from the very beginning. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, to a Bolivian immigrant mother and an American father, I was the first child of my generation to bridge the gap between both cultures. Hard work was a core value in my family, so when I hit glass ceil ing after glass ceiling in my professional life, I knew I could find a way to overcome it. Higher education and the Army ROTC program have fulfilled my desire for career advancement and community service, bringing me into a new and exciting future.

But I didn’t always see it that clearly. Upon completion of high school in 2012, I wasn’t entirely sure which profession I wanted to pursue. I worked at an office supply retail store, and by the age of 20 became the youngest promoted to manager within the district. Proud of this accomplishment, I strived to advance even further, climbing the managerial ladder and progressing into upper management within four years.

I would eventually hit a glass ceiling, unable to proceed without a higher degree. So, I switched fields and became a manager for a fitness center, but I would be held back yet again for the same reason. It was clear that higher education would be my ticket to advancement; after nearly seven years of full-time employment, I decided to return to school.

I entered Union County College with a new mentality. Once I earned my associate's degree, I wasted no

Title: Master of Social Work Candidate, Army ROTC Cadet

Age: 28

Born In: Elizabeth, NJ Union, NJ

Bolivian American Master of Social Work candidate, specializing in Management and Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Class of 2024; Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a 3.96 GPA, summa cum laude, Kean University, 2021; Associate degree in Science, Union County College, 2019; Union High School, 2012.

Extracurricular Activities and/or volunteer work: Executive Officer (XO), serving as Chief of Staff for the Scarlet Knight Battalion/Rutgers Army ROTC program; Team Captain of the Army ROTC Queens Guard/ Color Guard; member of Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society, maintaining 4.0 GPA; member of Caporales San Simón La Paz, a Bolivian dance group.

Future Goal: Enter active duty in the Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer or as an Adjutant General Officer.

Inspiration: Making my younger self proud; using failure as a building block for success.

Favorite Quote: “Do or do not. There is no try”

– Yoda (Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back) How to Connect: Gmowle0812@gmail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-mowle time and attended Kean University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology. After just a year and a half, I graduated in the top 10% of my class with a 3.9 GPA, earning the title summa cum laude, the highest distinction of honors.

It was clear would be my ticket to advancement; after nearly seven years of full-time employment, I decided to return to school.

Although I completed my degree, I was not yet ready to re-enter the workforce. Throughout my education, I developed a passion for personal growth and unlocking one’s inner potential; no matter one’s background, I truly believe everyone can become successful. I knew I had more to give back to my community, so I sought the Army.

After speaking to a recruiter with the Army ROTC program, I realized this was the missing puzzle piece in my life—this would be the route I would take through the rest of my education. In addition to joining the ROTC program at Rutgers, I decided to pursue a Master of Social Work, committing myself to furthering my education and enhancing my beliefs in the concept of “inner potential”, hoping to one day influence those around me.

Now, I’m in the final year of my Master of Social Work program, specializing in Management and Policy at Rutgers University and aspiring to enter active duty as a Medical Service Corps Officer or as an Adjutant General Officer.

After 28 years of life lessons, I reflect on my past experiences—I’m humbled by the opportunities bestowed upon me and excited for the journey that awaits. I plan on making the Army a career, hoping to one day share my story with others. Everyone can succeed; it’s just a matter of how hard you are willing to work to accomplish your goals.