Our daughter is confirming her acceptance today.
It was a tough couple of days in this house as she was initially disappointed and needed some time to understand the opportunity she was being given.
Her plan B was to play her sport at a Division 1 program with a tremendous school spirit and fan base. It is the epitomy of a college experience- huge football games, crowds for all sports, etc.
Choosing a remote military college to study a LOT with no guarantee, AND not play her sport at first seemed unlikely. It was fun as parents to watch her remind herself each day of why she applied to the USCGA in the first place. We stayed quiet - very hard.
What was extraordinary was the input she received from the friends she assumed would be negative towards giving up "super fun" for military life. These kids were awesome! Many pointing out to her that sports are temporary and this is the time to make life decisions. As she repeated their words, we'd be dumbstruck as they were saying what we would have. As parents we think that kids are not listening - apparently they are. She got more support and encouragement from 18 year old girls than she did from 40+ year old women who couldn't contain their own personal fears.
What was absolutely amazing was the email she received this morning from the head coaches at the school she is turning down. Sure they are disappointed. But, what they wrote were kind words to commend a 17 year old girl on making a decision to serve her country and get a great education. What a class act.
I look forward to hearing from other parents as their students make their choices. These forums have been a great help to us.
It was a tough couple of days in this house as she was initially disappointed and needed some time to understand the opportunity she was being given.
Her plan B was to play her sport at a Division 1 program with a tremendous school spirit and fan base. It is the epitomy of a college experience- huge football games, crowds for all sports, etc.
Choosing a remote military college to study a LOT with no guarantee, AND not play her sport at first seemed unlikely. It was fun as parents to watch her remind herself each day of why she applied to the USCGA in the first place. We stayed quiet - very hard.
What was extraordinary was the input she received from the friends she assumed would be negative towards giving up "super fun" for military life. These kids were awesome! Many pointing out to her that sports are temporary and this is the time to make life decisions. As she repeated their words, we'd be dumbstruck as they were saying what we would have. As parents we think that kids are not listening - apparently they are. She got more support and encouragement from 18 year old girls than she did from 40+ year old women who couldn't contain their own personal fears.
What was absolutely amazing was the email she received this morning from the head coaches at the school she is turning down. Sure they are disappointed. But, what they wrote were kind words to commend a 17 year old girl on making a decision to serve her country and get a great education. What a class act.
I look forward to hearing from other parents as their students make their choices. These forums have been a great help to us.
