Now that you've been appointed, how will you celebrate?

[SunshineMom]

I can't draw an airplane to save my life!! When DS got his USNA appointment, I drew an anchor on the family dry-erase board. Now with the USAFA appointment, I can't draw a falcon or an airplane -- I guess I could try a mountain range? Any easy doodle ideas??

 

[LawyerLynn]

My DS wanted to eat at the Outback the day he got his appt. to USCGA so we obliged. I need new tags on my car and I'm going to get Coast Guard tags. But best of all, his girlfriend (since the age of 4) lives in Germany atm (her dad is Air Force) and they are paying for him to come spend 2 weeks with them in Europe at the end of May to celebrate. He'll get back 3 weeks before report day at the Academy.

 

[NavyHoops]

I wanted to do the "dance of joy" when my son's medical status for USNA changed to "waiver granted" (he had an LOA from January), but he wouldn't let me celebrate. Then, when he got a call from Sen. Thune's office, I thought he would be ready to celebrate. But, he said he was waiting until he actually got the BFE. He did give in to his veiled excitement a few days later and order a couple of Midshipmen t-shirts. (I ordered a couple for myself too.) Now that the BFE has arrived, I think our family will just go out somewhere to eat to celebrate.

I don't think I'll do anything special at the graduation party. I've not started planning that at all. It's not something that is done where I come from, but where we live now -- everyone has a party. I come from an area where you're raised not to "toot your own horn," so I don't really feel comfortable with setting out tables with his awards/achievements on it. Maybe I'll just have some of his goofy pictures through the years or something. I really dread planning a party. I don't think I was in line when God was handing out the decorating and party planning genes. I wish some of you other moms could come handle my party planning for me. All I care about is having food that tastes good.

Nothing wrong with being very low key. My parents were not party people either and neither am I. When I got the call from our MOC and then followed up by the coaches (they had known a few days previously but had to wait for the MOC to call) we went out to dinner to my favorite fish and chips place and had ice cream after. Perfect celebration for me. I had 7 days between high school graduation and heading to I Day. I didn't want a party. Some candidates are more nervous, anxious than others and adding that spotlight is not one they really want. Also there are some kids who have the "can I make it?" nervousness running through their head and really feel added pressure from parties and the additional spotlight. These kids have all worked very hard and its great they have amazing parents. What works for one family, might not for another. Also, if your kids push back on some celebrations understand some of it could definitely be nerves.

 

[baileydb]

The absolute BEST way to celebrate is to cover your appointee in bubble wrap.

I believe my sons almost set the house on fire with assorted and sundry fireworks in the driveway, which still has the gunpowder stains on it.

Have fun and congrats!

(I know a cheap bubble wrap outlet. Just call... )

Haha! The new saying in my household is "Bubble wrap, Bailey!!!" Every time I do something even SLIGHTLY risky!


Did anyone else all the sudden find that suddenly people wanted to spend a bunch more time with you after you got your appointment? People I never hang out with outside of work/CAP/other activities suddenly want to have celebration parties and all that with me. It's funny! I don't know if they are just happy for me, or if it's the whole "she's leaving soon, we need to hang out while we still can" thing, or what! I jokingly told someone "I didn't even know any of you guys liked me until I got into USAFA!" Anyone else have this experience?

 

[fencersmother]

Bailey, it sounds like you are experiencing "Senior Party" not just AFA party.

 

[Boozebin]

Did anyone else all the sudden find that suddenly people wanted to spend a bunch more time with you after you got your appointment? People I never hang out with outside of work/CAP/other activities suddenly want to have celebration parties and all that with me. It's funny! I don't know if they are just happy for me, or if it's the whole "she's leaving soon, we need to hang out while we still can" thing, or what! I jokingly told someone "I didn't even know any of you guys liked me until I got into USAFA!" Anyone else have this experience?

It's a mix of both. Being from here a lot more people understand how difficult it is to get into the AFA (and any SA for that matter). You won't get many, if any "Why go there?" or "Sorry you couldn't get into college." type things. Mostly its "wow you're going there!" followed by a ton of questions of how you did it and peoples misunderstanding of the process (personal favorite that the Governor gives out nominations makes me laugh everytime).

Sit back enjoy it, I think its remembering these times, during the rough times at the AFA, that will remind you that you have a support team behind you wishing the best for you. They are genuinely happy for you as awkward as it may feel since you're a humble type person.

 

[baileydb]

Lol the most common thing I've been getting is "Wait...don't you like need to be sponsored by a Senator or something like that to get in there?"
It's only then that I understand how incredibly complex this process is and realize how much research it took to fully understand it (even still, I wouldn't say I fully understand it! Does anyone really?). People try to ask "Well, how do you get in?" And it's just like how do you even explain it?
But I agree with you, Boozebin. Remembering all of the people who believed in me will be what will get me through tough spots. Getting into a SA is totally a community effort, and I truly believe no individual can take 100% credit for it.