Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Ricketts.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Whitney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Kansas City, MO. I’ve been dancing since the age of five and always wanted to pursue a career in dance. In 2011 I auditioned for the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders and made the team while continuing my degree in Fine Arts with Minor in Business. In 2012 I traveled and auditioned for the OKC Thunder Girls and made that team as well. I then wanted to venture out and explore more careers and began to start my military career and joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2014. Given the opportunity with the National Guard, I was able to travel and move to Texas and dance for the Texas Legends and then Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blues dance team.
In 2017, I was deployed to Djibouti, Africa but I didn’t let it stop me from dancing. I created a program of dance fitness on base in which I taught twice a week. They still continue this program until this day! Once I came back from deployment, I continuing teaching at Niaps Spain Dance Space. Still wanting to advance my military career, I became a recruiter for the Texas Army National Guard and have enlisted 14 warriors! I absolutely love my career as it gives me the opportunity to help others advance theirs.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. With my dance career, Not always making the cut in auditions, being told NO, your too short, your not what we are looking for, etc. wasn’t always a good feeling, but it only made me stronger. If it wasn’t for the NOs, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
With my military career, I think being deployed for nine months and leaving my family and friends behind was the hardest part. Not being able to communicate often, missing the holidays and special moments made me by far more appreciative of those moments. Through every challenge, I just trusted God that everything was going to work itself out and it always does!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a recruiter for the Texas Army National Guard. I help others in paying for college tuition up to $15k a year. I also help provide opportunities to advance their career within the military but also have time to pursue other goals in life at the same time. What sets us apart from other military branches is that we are only part-time with full benefits. Only serving one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer can pay for college, chance to start a career that we pay you to learn, guaranteed monthly paychecks, health care benefits, and more!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory would be attending the Alvin Ailey Camp In Kansas City, Mo. Ive always looked up to the Ailey Dancers and the camp was so fun. I won a scholarship to attend training and was able to become a group leader and tap instructor once I got of age. I love going back and helping my community.
Pricing:
- $20k Signing Bonus
Contact Info:
- Website: NationalGuard.com/Texas
- Phone: 903-372-0877
- Email: whitney.s.ricketts.mil@mail.mil
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/I.recruit.soldiers
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