Joining ROTC

I am a 23M who is going through the initial steps of joining the ROTC program at my university. Long story short, since I was 15 I’ve worked as a carpenter as I come from a family of carpenters. Had no interest in joining the military. Didn’t go to college after high school, worked the trades instead. Didn’t really care about my future so I partied with some of the older guys I worked with. Got involved in experimenting with cocaine and mushrooms from age 18-20. I also got charged with two MIPs (alcohol) during that time.

Around age 20 I decided I wanted to turn my life around and live a more meaningful life. Completely dropped all drug use and focused on my work. Completely clean for the last 3 years. Eventually worked up to managerial roles in construction, then started my own framing company. Ran and operated for two years very successfully. I was finally at a point where I could afford to get a degree, so I decided to give the fall 2024 semester a go. Finished with a 3.87 GPA.

Still was looking for more purpose in my life, many of my relatives have served in the Air Force so I looked into it. Had done a lot of bad things in my life, so I wanted to do something good for the rest of my life to make up for it. Campus had an ROTC program, so I signed up and am filling out forms this week.

I am just curious as to what to expect based on my history? Is it likely I will get turned away based on my rough past just after high school? Will my job selection be limited? Am I making a good choice leaving behind a good career to serve? These are all questions I will be asking the cadre in the next few weeks, but it is keeping me up at night in suspense so I’d appreciate some peace of mind. Thanks.