As most of you know, I can very closely relate to the pain many are feeling now after they received the "little envelope."
I still have mine: one from each service academy, as I applied to all of them. I really REALLY wanted to go to ONE of them and then to serve as an officer.
Right now you're down, disappointed, upset...again, I remember the feelings VERY WELL. BUT...let me tell you something.
The world has NOT ended. The fact you got THIS FAR is testimony to your outstanding qualifications for ANYTHING that you want to do in life! Think about that for a moment.
You made it to the VERY FINAL CUT of one of the most difficult schools in the WORLD and ONLY missed out because the law limits the numbers of students accepted annually. PERIOD. That's ALL.
I know some pretty amazing people that also have received that "little envelope." They are GOOD friends of mine. We all commiserated about those envelopes and then we made a choice: to go after it again because it's what we REALLY REALLY wanted. We decided to take the risk of a year.
How'd we do? I think I've done well...folks call me Colonel when I'm in uniform, and Steve when I'm not. But let me tell you about Brian, Jeff and "BeeBop."
Jeff is a neat guy...a LOT of fun at any party, and a great all-around guy. BeeBop was a California surfer type: long blond hair, great smile, and a work ethic that said: "I will do what it takes to succeed honestly and honorably." And "Air Guitar Man" was this long-haired rocker from Texas; turned us ALL on to Van Halen.
I really respect these guys; probably as high as any of my classmates.
Yes, we all went after it again. We went to Northwestern Prep and busted our butts. And we succeeded and graduated and then went on our way.
How'd "Big" (Jeff Fiebig's nickname) and "BeeBop" (Brian Bishop's nickname) and "Air Guitar Man" (Brian Bjornson's nickname) do? Take a gander here:
http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=10443
http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=9602
http://www.afweather.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=9141
Folks...it may or may not end here; it depends upon you. The academy is an amazing place but it's not the ONLY place. And upon graduation, you are a 2LT in the finest air force in the world! WHAT you become after that date is ALL up to you, not where you graduated from school.
Yes, in some occasions I will admit being a grad most likely has its advantage but...I've VERY RARELY seen it. Quality rises to the top; the ring doesn't do it. Brian Bjornson, my prep school roommate, he's done amazingly well! Note: he did NOT graduate with us from USAFA. He left early in our first year. It just didn't suit him. BUT...look how well he's done since!
Quality rises to the top.
You have two choices now: the HARDEST choices of your young lives. "Do I "give up" on my goal to serve or do I press on, perhaps with a backup plan, or reattempt the academy?"
Only you can answer those questions. But whatever path you choose, LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED!
You are already SO far ahead of the pack...success WILL be yours!
As I said: QUALITY rises to the top!
CONTINUE to AIM HIGH!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
All SA's "small envelope recipient" '82