physics_nerf

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Hello all! This is my first post on here and I was hoping to get feedback on my nomination essay.
The prompt is why do I want to attend a service academy. 500 words or less.

When I was six, while my mother came to the United States and prepared for my arrival, I was under the care of my grandparents. During this time, my grandfather, a retired Thai police officer turned Buddhist monk, taught me what it means to be a capable person. As an experienced police officer, he taught me to use my personal strengths to protect and enhance the community around us, while his practice as a Buddhist monk emphasized the significance of discipline in human growth. These experiences shaped him into my ideal role model, someone who exemplifies strength, discipline, and an ambitious commitment to service.

My decision to seek admission to the Air Force Academy is formed from my desire to develop myself while also committing myself to a greater cause. While traditional universities form a solid foundation for a person to enter society, the academy stands out by not only providing physical and psychological development, but develops the principles of leadership that I wish to continue to develop myself. During his time as an officer, my grandpa faced numerous formidable obstacles to do what is right. I am aware that the Air Force Academy presents even more formidable challenges. However, during my recent visit to the Academy, I was able to meet Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Jenkins, a graduate of the USAFA’s class of 1958, who was volunteering as a guide at the academy. In our conversation, he underscored the unique opportunities provided by the academy, including networking opportunities, extraordinary job possibilities, and transformative experiences. Knowing this, I strive to conquer these challenges head on, with the belief that conquering these challenges will form the crucible from which I will emerge a better man - a man like my grandfather.

Furthermore, my desire to attend the academy is not solely driven by my pursuit of self improvement but also from my unwavering commitment to protect and serve my community and country. In the decade that I’ve lived in America, I’ve been fortunate to experience the remarkable kindness and goodwill of the community that surrounds me. Whether it’s about my very first group of friends in America who have formed the foundation of my character or the hardworking classmates that motivate me everyday, I can recall countless experiences growing up which are the driving force behind my desire to safeguard my community. This community, created from the tolerant and diligent people of America, is just a small part of the nation we inhabit. Its freedoms of association, speech, and conscience serve as the bedrock of its society, allowing people to form bonds though common interests, express themselves freely, and pursue their beliefs without fear of repression. These freedoms and the resiliency of American democracy represent a beacon of hope for the nations of the world that make America “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.”
 
I don’t usually respond to these, but I enjoyed your core story:

- Confusing to me - at age six, you were taught to use your strengths to protect the community around you? Or perhaps clarification is needed, “From the age of six to X, I was under the care of…”
- You have limited space. USAFA knows what its mission is, what it offers, etc. You don’t need to tell them. And, this essay is about you and your unique story, not a patriotic essay where you are expected to go on at length about the positive aspects of the U.S. I want to hear more about your grandfather, what behaviors, traits, values in action did you observe and want to emulate.
- Tell the story only you can tell. I assume your grandfather didn’t tell you about USAFA. What was your “aha” moment when you read something, saw something, met someone, and realized for the first time USAFA and service as a commissioned officer was something that appealed to you. What was that? When was that? How did your desire grow?

All questions rhetorical. No replies needed or expected.
 
Give more personal examples and possibly tie them to your ECs too. The story of your Grandpa is good, so just turn that into more of a “showing” essay than a “telling” essay.
 
Take a look at the USAFA website, to see if you can bring in some of the USAFA leadership, honor, integrity aspects into your unique story.
 
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