What truly defines Virginia Military Institute are the people. Cadets, faculty, and staff, both past and present, are what make it "No Ordinary College." I Am VMI will showcase the outstanding individuals who have accepted the challenges and embraced the spirit of VMI. Their perspectives provide authentic insights into life at the Institute and the value of this unique military college. 

I Am VMI: Michael Ferrara ’26 

• Name: Michael Ferrara 

• VMI Class: 2026  

• Major: Mechanical engineering major with a math minor 

• Hometown: Ringoes, New Jersey 

• Commissioning Plans: Air Force as a developmental engineer 

• Other Clubs/Societies/Activities: Regimental S3 Captain and ASME Treasurer, VMI Chapter 

From a young age, Michael Ferrara ’26 knew he was meant to serve. It took one open house visit at Virginia Military Institute to cement that.  

“I was genuinely impressed by the cadets I met and the way they carried themselves. Their character, honesty, work ethic, camaraderie, and confidence stood out to me immediately,” he explained. “Seeing that made me realize VMI was the kind of place that could shape me into the person I wanted to become. I remember thinking that if I could become even half of what those cadets were, I would be on the right path.”  

From that point on, he knew he wanted to apply. Then, when he received his appointment, it was no question that he’d accept. 

Ferrara likes the challenging lifestyle VMI presents.  

"As a cadet, you are placed in a system that only works through communication, trust, and mutual reliance on your classmates,” he said. “That environment pushes you to grow, not just individually, but as part of a team.” 

He said one of the most rewarding parts is seeing events planned by himself and his peers that come together successfully.  

“It brings a real sense of accomplishment that is hard to find anywhere else and builds bonds for life,” he continued. 

It’s hard to put into words the experience you get at VMI, Ferrara admitted.  

“I would describe my experience at VMI as something that is hard to understand unless you have actually lived it,” he stated. “There are a lot of days when it feels like everything is coming down on you. That can mean failing a test, getting boned [receiving demerits], skipping meals, running on little sleep, and trying to balance a lot of different tasks at once. Even with all of that, you learn how to keep pushing and find a way through it.”  

Ferrara said a big part of pushing through is learning how to dig deep within yourself and rely on the people around you.  

"No matter how hard it got, I never felt like I was going through VMI alone,” he said. “Watching alumni reunions also showed me that it is worth making it through, because you can see how much pride people still have in VMI and the bond they carry with them long after they leave.” 

VMI has helped Ferrara gain confidence he didn’t know he had.  

"In high school, I was the kid who got nervous presenting in front of a class of 10 people, but at VMI I speak regularly in front of large groups, lead meetings, give briefs, and even took part in a live national television interview,” he said. “Those experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become much more confident in myself and my ability to lead.” 

He’s comfortable with communicating clearly, taking responsibility, and stepping up when others are depending on him.  

"I do not think I would have developed this level of confidence without the challenges and expectations that VMI puts on its cadets,” he said.  

The mechanical engineering major will commission into the United States Air Force as a developmental engineer after graduating in May. He chose his major because he’s always been interested in how things work and how they can be improved.  

"I like that it combines problem solving, math, and hands-on applications. It gives me the opportunity to work on systems and equipment that can make a real impact,” he explained. “I also knew it was a challenging major and that VMI’s engineering program is highly regarded compared to many other schools. It was a challenge worth taking on.” 

His time at VMI will translate into his future because it’s taught him how to build strong connections, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and manage his time in a demanding environment.  

“Whether it has been building relationships with my classmates or connecting with alumni through different events, I have learned how important those relationships can be. VMI has also strengthened my work ethic by teaching me how to stay disciplined, balance multiple responsibilities at once, and still get the job done under pressure,” he explained. “I believe those communication skills, time management habits, and the connections I have already made with alumni and peers will help me succeed as I move forward in my career.” 

Those who choose to attend VMI sign up for an experience that is different than anything else, Ferrara said.  

“It will challenge them in ways they do not expect, give them a greater appreciation for the world around them, and humble them in ways that help them grow. VMI is not just a college experience. It pushes you, changes your perspective, and stays with you,” he stated. “When you go home, you can notice a real difference between yourself and some of your high school friends who went to other schools, because VMI shapes the way you carry yourself, handle challenges, and look at the world.” 

He’s proud to say that he’s a product of VMI.  

“I will leave with a degree that carries real value because of the honor code behind it, along with work ethic and communication skills that set VMI graduates apart. I can confidently say that this is not just true for me, but for every person who has graduated from VMI. That is something very few institutions’ graduates can honestly say.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE