Structure plays a critical role in mental and character development, particularly during the formative years. It provides young people with stability, clarity, and a framework through which identity and confidence can take shape. When that structure is absent or disrupted, it can leave students feeling adrift, uncertain of their direction, disconnected from their strengths, and struggling to understand who they are and what they are capable of becoming.
When J.J. Banek Gabelle arrived at Randolph-Macon Academy, he found far more than structure and routine at our private military school. He found mentors who saw his potential, discipline that restored his sense of control, and a close-knit community that helped him rebuild confidence and step into leadership. At R-MA, uncertainty gave way to a sense of belonging, and the foundation for a new future began to take shape.
Finding Structure and Belonging at Randolph-Macon Academy
“I was born in Sierra Leone in West Africa,” J.J. shared. In 2014, his life changed suddenly when the Ebola crisis forced his family to evacuate to the United States. “Coming to America was really hard because I then started to face racism.” The transition was overwhelming. “I struggled in my public school. I felt out of control and hated life in a way.”
Searching for stability and direction, J.J.’s parents suggested boarding school. “My parents brought boarding school up, and I felt that that was going to be the best place for me.” That search led them to Randolph-Macon Academy.
At R-MA, J.J. found more than a new academic environment; he found clarity. “R-MA gave me the ability to have structure in my life, and that was when something really clicked for me.” What stood out most was the sense of belonging. “R-MA was a home to me because of the small family and community, no matter the race or gender. It was the perfect school for me.”
For J.J., this private military school offered something he had been missing: consistency, accountability, and a supportive environment where he could rebuild confidence. “This was the place that was going to change my life,” he said.
Mentorship Who Opened the Door to Leadership
During his sophomore year, J.J. felt a desire to grow beyond himself. “My sophomore year, I wanted to become a better leader, and that’s when I met my prescribed mentor.”
The mentorship received was simple, yet powerful. “How did I help him? I unlocked the gym. I opened the door in the morning so he could get at it.” Through discipline and effort, a change was noticed by JJ’s Mentor. “I saw confidence start coming out. It was a confidence to know he could do the tasks, and he had enough left over to share that with his peers.”
Learning to Lead by Serving Others
For J.J., leadership was not about authority; it was about presence. “Just being there for someone when they need you the most was a lesson that my mentor showed me.”
R-MA saw J.J. live that lesson daily. “When the other High Flight kids were going through the PT sessions, he would go back and encourage them even though he had finished. Just a phenomenal, phenomenal young man.”
That experience reshaped how J.J. saw himself. “Having that type of mentality really motivated me to become a leader,” he said. “It meant that I could do anything I put my mind to and really helped me understand myself and know what I’m capable of doing in the future.”
Rising Together Beyond R-MA
The impact of R-MA’s character and leadership program extended far beyond graduation. Reflecting on J.J.’s journey, His mentor shared, “JJ’s rise to the moment was about structure, it was about the opportunity to work hard, work as a team, and as a result, he’s at the Coast Guard Academy, which is wonderful to see.”
Now at the Coast Guard Academy, J.J. carries those lessons forward. “Here at the Coast Guard Academy, it’s very tough to be a fourth-class Cadet, but my Shipmates and I are rising together and making it out as a team.”
Looking back, he is certain of R-MA’s role in his success. “If I had not gone to R-MA, I don’t think I would be in this position. All the people at R-MA have helped me rise above and really helped develop me to become the person I am.”
His transformation is unmistakable. “My family did not recognize the boy that they sent to boarding school.”
A Family That Never Stops Believing
JJ’s Mentor summed up the heart of Randolph-Macon Academy simply. “I have four children, but really, I have 300 and some children. Every one of these kids, I treat them as one of my own.” He added, “To see JJ make a difference in this world, there’s nothing more satisfying.”
At our boarding school in Virginia, students find more than discipline and academics. They find mentors, purpose, and a second family, one that prepares them to rise together.
See J.J.’s full video here:
Would you like to explore programs at our boarding school in Virginia?
Contact R-MA for more information.