Hi

[USMA2020]

Hi, my name is Ashleigh. I am 14 and I live in South Carolina. I am a strong christian, which to be honest, is what brought me here. Back in October, I was sitting in a christian conference, praying about where I wanted to go to college. I was basically praying about whether I should go to USC, and stay close to home, or go to an Ivy League college like Harvard, or get my undergraduate at USC, and go to law school at Harvard. Well, I just finally gave it over to God, and He showed me that He wanted me to pursue the Army. So over the next couple of days I continued to pray, and He basically showed me that I was supposed to pursue going to West Point. I was really nervous about telling my mom, because I had always been adamant about not wanting to do anything military related. I had always had the greatest respect for those who did it, but I was thinking absolutely not. At first I was really scared about even looking into it, but as the shock of the idea wore off, I started to get really excited about it. A couple of weeks ago I talked to the admissions officer, and that made me even more sure. I told my mom around the end of November, and although I know it was a shock for her, she has been better about it than I would have given her credit for. I know she still doesn't like the idea, and since the ban on women in combat was lifted, I know it has become even harder (I like it the new way, but I used the ban as my arguing point for a while), for her to accept. We are looking into visiting West Point sometime next semester, which is something that I am really looking forward to. Generally speaking though, everything is really lining up, as far as the things I like to do (I am really into physical fitness, I do a lot of community
service, my grades are pretty good), not to mention that I have always been very patriotic. I mean I paint my nails red, white, and blue. I almost always where something with an American flag on it, and when I can't for some reason, if at all possible I wear and American flag pin. My room is decorated in patriotic stuff, and anymore, I have made a couple of West Point/Army themed posters to put up in my room. This is something very close to my heart, and I really want it to work out. I had a friend's dad tell my mom that I had a death wish, but the way I see it, if this is God's will, which I firmly believe it is, I will be safer in a combat situation in God's will, than I would be walking down the street if that wasn't where God wanted me. So that is a lot about me, and my desire to go to West Point.

Some other stuff about me is that I love sports, especially extreme sports (motocross, NASCAR, skateboarding, snowboarding), and I am very into politics. Yeah 3.5 weeks/114 hours of campaign work in October/November. Other than that, I am at church just about every time the doors are open (I cried Sunday when I couldn't go because I was sick). So that should tell you the basics about me. If you have any more questions let me know. I would love to hear from you/talk to you.

God Bless,
Ashleigh

 

[Dixieland]

You're smart to start planning ahead, Ashleigh! A couple of things to begin working on right away......turn "pretty good grades" into VERY good grades and choose a sport where you can earn a varsity letter. Seek out leadership opportunities and be a great leader---your youth group at church is a good place to start. West Point is very competitive and you will need to have excellent credentials!

Check out West Point's website and learn as much as you can. There is a section called "Start Young" with a link where you can make a request to receive more information. Be sure and check out all of the "stickies" at the top of the USMA forum page here---there are class profiles and a list of things you need to be doing each year in high school.

Visiting West Point is a great idea and will be invaluable to you as well as your parents. Tours are booked through the West Point Visitors Center (I recommend the 2-hour tour) and gives an excellent overview of the history and mission of West Point. www.westpointtours.com There are lots of other wonderful historic sights throughout the Hudson Valley so be sure and save some time for those as well. New York City is an easy train ride from West Point too!