The Vanguard series highlights cadets of Virginia Military Institute who exemplify promise, perseverance, and the true spirit of leadership. While they may not be the top-ranking students or those in prestigious positions, these individuals' dedication, resilience, and growth embody the essence of being a VMI cadet. By sharing their stories, including the challenges they've faced and overcome, we shine a spotlight on the diverse paths to success at the Institute, proving that leadership and excellence come in many forms.   

LEXINGTON, Va. Nov. 7, 2025 — You have to do the small things to get to the big things, Jamie Palacio ’27 says. It’s her mentality when it comes to facing overwhelming things at Virginia Military Institute.  

“Sometimes the hardest part is just getting through the day. It’s that internal reminder of why I’m here. I’ll be hating a practice or a task, but I have to remind myself: this is just the smallest little part of getting my commission and my degree. That’s what keeps me pushing forward.”

The history major from Bowie, Maryland, is sometimes asked why she didn’t choose to attend the Naval Academy right down the road from her. She said VMI was one of many other service academies she was considering, but the others didn’t feel right.  

“It was kind of nice, because you don’t hear about a lot of people — at least where I’m from — going to VMI. I’d never even really heard about it until I started looking,” she explained. 

When she and her family visited VMI;, something clicked.  

“The nicest thing about VMI, in general, was that, for one, a degree was non-negotiable with my family. Higher education had to happen. But also, no one in my family has ever done military service. VMI was kind of that two birds, one stone kind of deal.” 

She plans on commissioning into the U.S. Army after graduating, so taking up a rank position as Echo Company’s cadre team sergeant was the best path for her. It was something she remembers from her rat year — the influence and impact those ahead of her had. 

“Being able to have the same effect they had on me — teaching me how to push through the hard times — made me want to do the same for the new cadets,” Palacio said. “Helping motivate them to do their best and be their best self, that’s what it’s about.” 

Palacio originally started out as a civil engineering major, but admitted math wasn’t her strongest suit. Her skills in reading and writing prompted her to switch to history. Overall, academics have been a struggle for her.  

“It was culture shock for sure. In high school, I don’t even remember doing my homework and I still made it by,” she said. “Here, it wasn’t an easy transition. I actually ended up on academic probation last year. That was definitely a wake-up call — my degree is on the line." 

By utilizing the resources VMI has like the Miller Academic Center, the Writing Center, and Cadet Academic Recovery, she was able to bounce back and gain academic stars. 

“I use the resources a lot here. As much as I didn't like having to check -in, it was helpful,” she stated.  

Maj. Alex Paul, associate professor in the Department of History, said even though Palacio struggled academically at first, she has done everything to get back on the right track. Paul describes her as a hardworking, competent, and personable cadet with an infectious positive attitude. 

"She regularly meets with her advisor and the professors leading her classes,” Paul said. “Additionally, Palacio is committed to meeting deadlines and producing excellent work. As a result, Palacio has not only recovered from her earlier struggles in a remarkably short time, she is now excelling in her classes and as a history major. Her proactive approach to academics at VMI and her commitment to continual improvement are a model for cadet success.” 

She started to become more organized. She color- blocks her entire schedule in Microsoft Excel — everything from wake-up to supper roll call.  

Besides participating in cadre, Palacio is also part of the pistol club and Ranger Challenger. 

“As a cadet, I’d say I’m pretty involved,” she said. “I really try to live by the integrity and discipline system here. I like the tradition and history behind it, and knowing it’s molding me into the person I am today. I just want to follow that and be part of something bigger.” 

Col. Mark Bryant ’77, professor in the Department of Biology, describes Palacio as a very earnest student who cares about performing well academically. 

"She asks for help and clarification when needed, and she puts forth an effort to do well,” he said. “Palacio always showed the kind of attitude that a cadet does when they show great promise. The first challenge for any cadet activity, be it scholarship, performance in the Corps, military duties, etcetera, is to care about the outcomes. Palacio shows that she cares about the outcomes, and the effort shows.” 

Bryant said that Palacio isn’t one to attempt to just get by or meet a minimum standard. Instead, she’s a well-rounded person who performs well in many roles — which makes her stand apart from her peers.  

“Palacio is a great cadet in the sense that she sincerely applies herself to achieving excellence in any way she can. She exemplifies the VMI values of character, hard work, achievement, and dedication,” Bryant stated. “This is a cadet who gets it and knows why she is here. When you know why you are involved in something, and why it matters, then you know what you need to do.” 

Palacio has seen the growth within herself.  

“I’d say the biggest things I’ve gained here are maturity, responsibility, and humility,” she explained. “A lot of people, including myself, come in with an inflated ego. You quickly learn that doesn’t fly here.” 

 Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE