Littlepenguino
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2012
- Messages
- 29
Hello everyone! In addition to applying for USMA and USNA, I'm also applying for an NROTC scholarship to keep my options open.
I came across a little dilemma with my recruiter (very similar to the rush that the OP for the thread "NROTC Dilemma?" had). When I attempted to open a file with the NROTC program, the application said I was too young to apply and that I should try again later.
What it DIDN'T tell me was that it kept my records, so I just got a call from a recruiter today that my application was due in 3 days, because he wanted me to do the Officer Interview/Review Board in August. So today I've been trying to pull every string possible to fill out my application, and now that I've finished most of it, I've been working on the essays.
So quite simply, would you please review my essay? I realize it may not be close to perfect, but I really want to do this in time. I'll post the answer to the second response tomorrow (or rather, later today).
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
1. Discuss your reasons for wanting to become a Naval Officer. (Limit 2500 characters)
Joining the military had never been a childhood aspiration. Ironically, I had never even considered the possibility until high school, when I finally understood how narrow minded I had been up until that point. Joining the JROTC unit at my school awakened me to the principles of integrity, diligence and a self sustaining character. The day I received the informational letter regarding the possibilities the NROTC program offered, my interest was immediately captured. I desire to become a Naval Officer to serve my country and set the example for not only those Sailors that would be assigned to me, but those that I encounter in my daily life.
First and foremost, I wish to serve my country as an officer in its Navy. My sense of patriotism began to grow after a recent telephone call from my extended family in Mexico. I learned of the murder of three Mexican citizens in the city of Durango’s plaza; yet, this seemed to only raise an eyebrow across the dining room table. Dazed, I could not fathom as to why no one else was surprised at this news. The answer was simple. Quite frankly, I had taken everything that the United States offered to me as a citizen: protection, respect and stability. Everything I had defined as stable and regulated had stemmed from what this nation taught and offered me. I then began to understand the words of the Honorable John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” I recalled the statistics I had heard on the news; less than one percent of the population wear’s their nation’s uniform. From that moment, I knew I add to that percentage.
Setting the example has always been a pivotal part in my life. My father had always preached against hypocrisy, and firmly instructed me to act morally and respectfully. As such, the Navy principles of honor, courage and commitment would only help to develop these values and become a greater citizen. Ever since the Vietnam War, the military has retained an unfavorable image by the people, which resulted in the lack of support for recent military involvement. The only way to rectify the negative stigma the public eye has is to support the institution. I feel that only by serving dutifully as an officer, I would demonstratively exhibit to my family, friends and community the gallant code of ethics that this noble profession instills.
Char Count: 2,234
I came across a little dilemma with my recruiter (very similar to the rush that the OP for the thread "NROTC Dilemma?" had). When I attempted to open a file with the NROTC program, the application said I was too young to apply and that I should try again later.
What it DIDN'T tell me was that it kept my records, so I just got a call from a recruiter today that my application was due in 3 days, because he wanted me to do the Officer Interview/Review Board in August. So today I've been trying to pull every string possible to fill out my application, and now that I've finished most of it, I've been working on the essays.
So quite simply, would you please review my essay? I realize it may not be close to perfect, but I really want to do this in time. I'll post the answer to the second response tomorrow (or rather, later today).
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
1. Discuss your reasons for wanting to become a Naval Officer. (Limit 2500 characters)
Joining the military had never been a childhood aspiration. Ironically, I had never even considered the possibility until high school, when I finally understood how narrow minded I had been up until that point. Joining the JROTC unit at my school awakened me to the principles of integrity, diligence and a self sustaining character. The day I received the informational letter regarding the possibilities the NROTC program offered, my interest was immediately captured. I desire to become a Naval Officer to serve my country and set the example for not only those Sailors that would be assigned to me, but those that I encounter in my daily life.
First and foremost, I wish to serve my country as an officer in its Navy. My sense of patriotism began to grow after a recent telephone call from my extended family in Mexico. I learned of the murder of three Mexican citizens in the city of Durango’s plaza; yet, this seemed to only raise an eyebrow across the dining room table. Dazed, I could not fathom as to why no one else was surprised at this news. The answer was simple. Quite frankly, I had taken everything that the United States offered to me as a citizen: protection, respect and stability. Everything I had defined as stable and regulated had stemmed from what this nation taught and offered me. I then began to understand the words of the Honorable John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” I recalled the statistics I had heard on the news; less than one percent of the population wear’s their nation’s uniform. From that moment, I knew I add to that percentage.
Setting the example has always been a pivotal part in my life. My father had always preached against hypocrisy, and firmly instructed me to act morally and respectfully. As such, the Navy principles of honor, courage and commitment would only help to develop these values and become a greater citizen. Ever since the Vietnam War, the military has retained an unfavorable image by the people, which resulted in the lack of support for recent military involvement. The only way to rectify the negative stigma the public eye has is to support the institution. I feel that only by serving dutifully as an officer, I would demonstratively exhibit to my family, friends and community the gallant code of ethics that this noble profession instills.
Char Count: 2,234