Branches of Belonging

Teddy Montague is both a mathematics major and a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), two paths that might seem worlds apart.

Before formulas or formations shaped his future, Montague’s first inroad to campus life came through athletics. During his first year living in Camino Hall, he noticed that several of his hallmates played on the rugby team, and their welcoming presence left an impression. “They’d always be really respectful and cool whenever you talked to them,” says Montague, “they were very down-to-earth.” Inspired by that energy, he joined the team and found a fast track to community.

Paired with his involvement in NROTC, Montague began building a strong social foundation through relationships with both teammates and fellow midshipmen.

In addition to community, NROTC offered Montague a sense of purpose, a future career and access to education.

A major contributor to his success in the program, he says, has been his background in mathematics. “Some of the classes are pretty interesting,” he notes. “Anything that applies to real-world problems, like engineering … I like that stuff because I can see it in front of me.” The practical problem-solving skills he has gained as a math major greatly aid his work in NROTC, especially in technical Navy roles like submarine systems, nuclear reactors and flight training.

While the coursework is challenging, Montague says USD faculty members have made all the difference. “Every professor in the math department is really good and professional,” he notes, “even if you have a problem not with the class they’re in, they’re still willing to help.”

Montague’s academics and athletics have shaped him into a more capable student and leader, but most of all, they’ve helped him feel connected. Building relationships has been the most meaningful part of his college experience.

“Having conversations with people and being social is the big emphasis for me — the community here is really accepting,” he says. For him, the key to a fulfilling experience has been being brave enough to put himself out there and become part of the community.

Looking back, Montague reflects on his growth with a fitting analogy. It’s kind of like a tree,” he says, “I was kind of just growing, building the base from the roots, but once springtime came, I was getting a lot more social and things were clicking.”

Now in his final year at USD, Montague plans to continue building relationships and showing up with purpose in both his academics and his training. Following graduation, he will commission in the Navy, leading with the same purpose and connection that defined his time at USD. Montague’s story is one of curiosity, connection and commitment, and one that will continue to branch out.