Nancy Mace: From Waffle House to The Citadel's First Female Graduate

Early Life and First Job

• 💡 Nancy Mace recalls her upbringing with a retired Army general father and a retired school teacher mother.
• ⚠️ She made a significant decision at 17 to drop out of school, which led her parents to insist she start working.
• 🍳 Her first job was at the Waffle House, an experience she describes as foundational for learning to work hard.

The Citadel Journey

• 🎓 Mace became the first woman to graduate from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, 26 years ago.
• 🏫 She entered The Citadel nearly 30 years ago, facing significant challenges and parental resolve.
• 🤝 Her father shook her hand instead of hugging her upon arrival, telling her not to call home if she wanted to quit.

Overcoming Doubts and Leading

• 💪 Mace was driven by a desire to prove herself, overcoming those who doubted her abilities and success.
• 🧠 She learned the importance of courage, discipline, and leadership through her experiences.
• 🎯 The skills learned at The Citadel, like holding the line against odds, are now being applied to her political career.

Political Aspirations

• 🗣️ Mace is ready to