Offer Of Appointment Rescinded

spooky'20

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Jan 27, 2016
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I'm currently a senior in high school and I've accepted my offer of appointment (haven't sent in the packet yet). Tomorrow my school is having a talent show and my friend and I are planning on singing a song that some might say is in bad (terrible) taste. Most people would recognize that it's satire, but some don't. So my question is, will USNA rescind my offer if they catch wind of this? Do they rescind offers for conduct even if no laws are broken?
 
Depends. Can you control who posts it on Facebook and YouTube? Willing to bet your appointment on some BGO (let's just say) or alumnus/alumna running across it and posting it on THEIR FB wall, where some indignant or tickled person picks it up and it goes viral??

You can't control access, which means you may not be able to predict the consequences. Beyond the admitted tastelessness, are you willing to play that calculus out?
 
This sounds like a really poor idea. What is more important to you? Singing some song in a talent show, or keeping your appointment to the Academy?
 
Think of it this way - you are not just spooky'20 anymore.
You are an appointee to the United States Naval Academy.
Everyone in your walk of life must likely views you as such. You represent what the USNA looks for in a candidate and future officer.
If you think that after your performance at the talent show that some might think - 'Wow - THAT'S who they accept to the Naval Academy now?', then I would resist participating.
You have a lot more to lose than most of your classmates. Think like that in terms of EVERYTHING you do between now and when you report.
 
I'm currently a senior in high school and I've accepted my offer of appointment (haven't sent in the packet yet). Tomorrow my school is having a talent show and my friend and I are planning on singing a song that some might say is in bad (terrible) taste. Most people would recognize that it's satire, but some don't. So my question is, will USNA rescind my offer if they catch wind of this? Do they rescind offers for conduct even if no laws are broken?

I have been on this forum for about a year or so, and this is the saddest, most disturbing question/inquiry I have ever read. My emotions rolled from sad, to frustrated, to upset and then to incredibly mad all within a 10 second window. At first, I gave a detailed explanation of my feelings but then I erased them because I knew I was typing out of anger and not using my head. So....my only suggestion to you is to remember that your reputation is for you to maintain, own, and protect. So do that...maintain it, own it and protect it.

You must be an amazing young person to already have an appointment so I won't say what I would like to say---but regrets are tough to live with and once you've tarnished your reputation, it's pretty difficult to repair that in the eyes of most. So...........imagine inviting the board of admissions, those wonderful people who selected YOU for an offer of appointment, to attend your talent show while watching you sing a song in "bad (terrible) taste". Do you think it's a good idea now? If you can live with the possibility of the harshest consequence of having your offer of appointment rescinded...enjoy those few minutes of "fun"??
 
A piece of advice I've been given is too reduce any social media presence that I have. Apparently the upperclassman have a habit of using embarrassing posts during Plebe summer. All things considered, I'm just an appointee so I really can't tell anyone what to do.
 
I always find it interesting that news headlines like to highlight things like "Naval Academy graduate bilks investors of $18M," "USNA Midshipman convicted of breaking and entering" - you can sub in other SA crime/scandal headlines. It never seems to be "Acme Community College Grad," "Phoenix University Student" or "OCS alumnus."

This is an instructive thread for highlighting the unique challenges of being on the path to an SA. Those juicy headlines always seem to bring out the comments on "why are we wasting taxpayer money on these SA prima donnas."

Given the nature of social media today and the massive loss of privacy, the prudent appointee should evaluate choices that have potential to rebound, as spooky20 did.
 
Given the nature of social media today and the massive loss of privacy, the prudent appointee should evaluate choices that have potential to rebound, as spooky20 did.

Well said Captain. As I've mentioned before on the forum, WP did in fact pull an appointment two years ago for what they deemed inappropriate social media postings from a candidate. It's the times we live in so be forewarned and forearmed.
 
I've heard of several people whom have gotten accepted into the Academies go to Beach Week? Just curious, does the Academy overlook traditions? (please don't hurt me)
 
Academy kids go on spring break too. They aren't all perfect robots, they are after all 18-24ish year olds who like to have fun and are full of energy and hormones. What you have to understand is there are consequences to actions... Even perceived actions. For instance you go to beach week and have some photos taken on Facebook with a solo cup. Even if you have water or soda in it... There could be a perception that alcohol is in it. Going to beach week isn't like going to North Korea prior to I Day. Honestly they could care less if you went to beach week. They will only care if your actions bring your attendance to beach week to their attention... That would mean doing something wrong or preceived wrong. Can you go to beach week and control what is posted on social media and what is going on around you? You know who your friends are and what is planned for beach week... Is that a risk you are willing to take? It might be yes and it be no, only you can make the call.
 
I've heard of several people whom have gotten accepted into the Academies go to Beach Week? Just curious, does the Academy overlook traditions? (please don't hurt me)
I'm certain there will be plenty of new and very meaningful traditions in your academy experience. These will be the ones that last a lifetime and will hold significant meaning for you and your classmates. My family and I put our trust in God Almighty and His Word. His Word tells us to seek wise counsel. Go to those that are closest to you that have your best interests at heart and seek their counsel.

I've appreciated the counsel of the men and women on this forum as well. If I were your father, I would tell you that even with the best intentions and precautions, there's still a greater risk to go than to call it off. I'm not sure if you know who Billy Graham is. He's a world renowned Christian evangelist and has survived countless attacks on his character and integrity because he took extraordinary precautions to avoid any hint of indecency and impropriety. He would never be seen alone with a woman other than his wife or daughters. He has a legacy of honor and integrity unmatched in recent history.

It starts with a simple choice. The heart is easily deceived; you must lead your heart with your mind in times like this.

God Bless you and Congratulations!
 
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