Short story :)

I just received my acceptance letter to NASS about an hour ago. I know this is just one of the many steps in the long journey of receiving an appointment, attending the United States Naval Academy, and in becoming a Marine Officer. But to my parents, it's a completely different story.
I'm upstairs in my room, reading the letter I had just received. I hear my mom downstairs on the phone with my Grandpa and she's crying. I listen closely and she's saying, "Who would have ever thought that the daughter of a little girl from Ponce, Puerto Rico and a farmer from Cave Junction, Oregon would someday attend the United States Naval Academy?" I started to tear up. I'm aware that this is just a step in such a long process, but it means so much more than that to my mom and dad. My mom grew up with NOTHING. She lived in a home with eight brothers and sisters, one meal a day, and abusive parents. She moved to California, alone, at 18 years old, with nothing but a few dollars in her hand. My dad made a living from dairy farms in Oregon and California, working from early mornings to late night since he was just twelve years old. He had to provide for his own mother and father, who served as a Navy Corpsman in WWII, but was paralyzed from multiple strokes.
There is a point to my story. It's amazing how God works things out, especially for those who work hard and love Him. I was put here on this Earth to serve a purpose of protecting this great nation. If it wasn't for our United States Military, my mother would have never come to this great country to meet my father. She came knowing the opportunity there was in America, to live a free, fulfilling life. To see her daughter want to serve must mean a lot to her. I thought I'd share this with everyone. I cannot wait to serve you and your families in the years to come!

What a wonderful story futuremid! I'm crying right along with your mom!
Best of luck on this journey ahead of you, and God bless.

Your story is definitely a great one! I'm happy for both you and your family. Good luck on your journey ahead.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I wish you continued success on your journey to USNA. Enjoy NASS!!

Futuremid, all I can say is wow. Congrats and you deserve it! Your faith and honor have captivated me....and your pride is so selfless~
My DD is waiting and I'm praying .....I'm hoping so much that she can soon stand beside you and become your friend. You remind me of her in your quiet strength and determination. You make me proud. God Bless and always be safe.

Thank you for sharing. The next year of your life will be long, short and filled with ups and downs. It may actually be worse on your mom and dad. The nine years (at least) after that will be even moreso. Don't give up.

Excellent, futuremid!

Congratulations, futuremid! Please let your mom know that we all are proud of you, too! Good Luck and keep us updated on your journey.

Thank you for that, it was inspiring. I have no doubt that you will achieve your dreams, especially since you know that all things are possible through God. Best of luck to you

The service academies historically have made it possible for many young men and women to attend first class schools in exchange for becoming officers and leaders in the defense of the United States. It is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is willing to accept the obligation. Among the many who have pursued that opportunity successfully to the highest levels of military and government are U S Grant and D D Eisenhower. Keep in mind the significance of what you overheard and lay out a plan of attack for your campaign to become the best candidate you can be. Best wishes in your efforts!

Futuremid - Something tells me you're going to GREAT things in life no matter which course God has set for you. Stay motivated, remember your roots, and to quote Winston Churchill "When you are going through Hell, keep going."

Thank you so much for all the encouragement! It means a lot to me!

I'm sure you know that acceptance into NASS is certainly no guarantee that you will eventually receive an appointment. However, it is a good indicator that the Naval Academy, already, sees something in you that they like. It's up to you to prove them correct through the admissions process.

As I was reading your story a little alarm went off in the corner of my head that was saying, "Uh oh! It sounds like this candidate's family wants it more than he/she does." But as I continued to read I could readily see that you do want it.

Do not underestimate the power of a family's pride. Blue & Gold Officers always have their eyes & ears piqued for an indication that the candidate is lukewarm about attending the Naval Academy whereas the family is dizzy with the notion.

Let me tell you my story (which I think I've told before).

I went to the Naval Academy for all the wrong reasons. Once I got there - I instantly hated it. (This is circa 1975, by the way). It wasn't just the yelling and screaming. It was the realization that I had no interest in all the "nautical stuff" we were learning. We spent a lot of time on sailboats on the Chesapeake. "Prepare to come about!" "Jibe-ho!" "Helms alee!" Pfft! I couldn't have cared less. The whole time, I was thinking, "Why don't we just slap an Evinrude on this bad boy?" ... "Is this what I'm going to be doing in the Navy?"

They're not stairs - it's a ladder.

It's not a wall - it's a bulkhead.

It's not a floor - it's a deck.

"Aye, aye, sir!" ??? What - am I a pirate?

It all seemed so silly and pointless to me. I'm hot, I'm hungry, I'm tired - and it's no fun. I instantly regretted not taking that NROTC scholarship to Vanderbilt. I should probably quit while there's still time.

But then, one night, lying quietly in my rack (not bed) I was thinking about how this would play itself out. I'll quit. I'll go back home to St. Louis. I envisioned myself knocking at the door and my Dad answering it. "Hi Dad. I'm home from the Naval Academy. I quit."

My Dad was so proud of me. He was telling all his friends about how proud he was of his son who got accepted into the Naval Academy.

It would break his heart if I quit.

So, for that reason, I stuck it out.

Then things changed. It wasn't so bad. I was making friends and developing bonds. I got into the routine. I continued with my 4-yrs at the Naval Academy and did very well there. I graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering ... flew A-7's Corsairs off USS Nimitz ... and now I'm a Captain with a major airline. The Naval Academy was exactly the place for me.

I went there for all the wrong reasons.

I probably stayed for all the wrong reasons.

And it all turned out good, nonetheless. The Naval Academy can transform people.

Perhaps, someday in the future, your family's pride will provide the motivation you will need to "stick it out".

Good luck to you!

I went there for all the wrong reasons.

I probably stayed for all the wrong reasons.

And it all turned out good, nonetheless. The Naval Academy can transform people.

Click to expand...

Truth. You'll learn very quickly not to judge how and why some people came to the Academy. Plebe year I was pretty judgmental of mids who came "for the wrong reasons" (ironic because I initially applied on a whim), but as time has gone on I've softened on that a lot.

Why you come is your business.

Why you stay is your business.

All that matters (to me) is that you put out, do your job, and take care of your people. If you do that, you should never feel the need to justify your decision to join the military to anyone. Some of the biggest plebe summer problem children in my class turned themselves around and will make great leaders.

Memphis9489- I can assure you that attending the Naval Academy is not my parents' decision. They would be just as happy if I chose to enlist right after high school. I believe with every fiber of my being, God is going to do great things through me at USNA!
Thank you for sharing your story with me! I really appreciate that you took the time to open up my eyes. It is true- knowing that family is rooting for you can be a huge motivation.

Memphis9489 said:

Do not underestimate the power of a family's pride. Blue & Gold Officers always have their eyes & ears piqued for an indication that the candidate is lukewarm about attending the Naval Academy whereas the family is dizzy with the notion.

Click to expand...

I have to convince people that this isn't true for me all the time. Both parents are '87, and my dad is beasting up major command right now.

Heck, I'd be applying to USNA no matter who my parents are.