Not particularly motivated

Stage4survivor

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I realize this may seem a ridiculous question to pose but, I hope to get some reasonable answers/suggestions.

He attended an "event" last summer in Brooklyn, wants to attend a summer session this year but, this kid is very "laid back". He's always been categorized as a leader, not a follower.

He is not a type "A" personality. He's in the top 5% academically, and top 1-2% on standardized tests. He doesn't flaunt his abilities. He has a near photographic memory.

Does the USNA want this type of kid?:confused:
 
Way to little information to say....I would suggest attending SLS if possible. After a week, he should know whether it's for him.
 
apply to all 3 academy summer seminars....only way to know if he likes it is to visit during the summer seminar.
 
Does the USNA want this type of kid?:confused:

If he is actually what you say he is AND he actually wants to be then yes. Thats basically me in high school and I think the academy wants me...well at least I hope so. They'll break the lazy out of him really quick and once he gets older everyone will appreciate a good and willing leader who is not a type A.
 

Oops...apologies.....
Apply to everything you can think of so you don't leave anything out or offend anybody because that would just be horrible. :wink:

If he's not motivated, he's not motivated. Don't waste the effort on it if this isn't what he wants. It's too exhausting of a process to proceed with if the kid doesn't want it.

But, he showed an inkling of interest in the summer seminar, so go for it.
 
I'm thinking there's a lot of smart kids at the SA's. My son would say that there's a lot of b***s*** and that you need to be motivated to want to be there. A summer seminar would be helpful, but remember those are recruiting tools.

My son is laid back too, which can be a good thing. When some marine gunny is yelling in his face, telling him he is the biggest loser ever and the marine will make son his personal s***bag for his entire plebe year (this because he had a tough time learning to 'keep his bearings' (ie, a straight face) when he was being told jokes..........my laid back boy knew it was no big deal. Some of his company mates were concerned about all this, telling him "We'll help you out around him, etc" My boy knew it was nothing. Saw the gunny sgt at the conclusion of plebe summer. Gunny did not seem to recognize son. Son says "I'm the plebe from Company X that you said you were going to make your personal s***bag for my entire plebe year." Gunny laughs and says "I told that to a ton of plebes!"

Yes, laid back can be a good thing. Combined with lots of motivation to stay there! Mine returned to Mother B ready to get back and get started on the countdown to Herndon. :thumb:
 
Stage4

Your son or daughter has to be "all in". I told my son who has wanted to go to a Service Academy since the age of 10 or so......you must attend a Summer Seminar. I wanted him to experience the academies first hand. He attended both USCGA and the USAFA programs. He came back more excited than ever!

The bottom line.... this MUST be their decision. I would hate to see my son or daughter attending to please me.

Wishing you the best!:smile:

Parent of possible 2014 Cadet - USCGA and USAFA
 
I agree totally, Mark! My son has said he wanted USAFA since he was about 8, but having two WP grads for parents, we weren't sure how much of it was him wanting it for him, or for us. But he came back from the three summer seminars he did claiming they were the best 3 weeks of his life and 100 percent convinced that he wanted an academy.

And having gone through it, I think it would be very, very hard to do if you personally didn't want it. And would probably cause a lot of resentment towards your parents (or whoever convinced you to apply!).
 
Marciemi

Marciemi,

I hope I did not come off condescending or judgmental to any...It was certainly not my intention.... I have heard of kids going to these academies for several weeks and then giving up and going home. That idea frustrates me a bit.... Their are just too many great kids that do not over get the chance to attend. If someone gives up a spot it can never be replaced...

This is a very important decision and it MUST be one that is NOT coerced in any way!

Prayer is everything! I told my son... must feel a strong conviction to serve!:smile:

God Bless,

Mark
 
No, I agree with you! :thumb: I think an academy is a huge commitment, and getting through the hard times has to come from you, not anyone else. It's not like if you wanted Michigan and your folks talked you into Michigan State. Here it's a completely different lifestyle - one that's 24/7 - and one that's hard enough to put up with when you DO want it.

And you're on the same page as USAFA at least - my son's appointment came with a booklet that says "Make sure the Academy is what you really want for yourself. Don't choose the Academy for its glamour and prestige, and DON'T let your parents, relatives, coaches, or friends make the decision for you. After all, it will be you who must meet the Academy challenge, not them." Then later, "If you are not sure you can accept the rigorous training and disciplined life a cadet experiences, we encourage you to decline your appointment now, before you accept the commitment."

That said, it's certainly possible that as the OP's son looks into it more, he may determine that it's what he wants. As I've said, my oldest son has wanted this forever. I also have a junior right now, and he's really never expressed any interest in it. We convinced him to apply for the SS's, and hopefully he will get in one. My older son thought they were such great experiences, and this will give son #2 the chance to see on his own (without the pressures from mom/dad/brother) what it's about. I still don't think he'll want to go, but who knows? In any case, he'll have a great time, and gain a better appreciation for those who do choose to serve!
 
Marciemi,

I have heard of kids going to these academies for several weeks and then giving up and going home. That idea frustrates me a bit.... Their are just too many great kids that do not over get the chance to attend. If someone gives up a spot it can never be replaced...

This is a very important decision and it MUST be one that is NOT coerced in any way!

Mark
You are so right, Mark. USNA lost 15 over plebe summer. Out of 1260 or so. And reading the parent net emails the past few days, there's a few more that are not going back for second semester. Son reports there's a youngster (3/c) or two he knows of that may not return. Difficult to think of kids bailing out when yours is hoping, praying for the chance to go!

Son says there were some over plebe summer who complained constantly. The others wished they would leave! Still some of that going on.

We feel blessed. Ours likes it, feels like he is in the right place. He was ready to get back. His life now is so different than ours and his friends in a "regular" college......two weeks was enough of a break and he was anxious to get back into his routine. He does have two high school friends who are at USAFA, so they had a great time comparing notes.
 
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Thanx

I appreciate the feedback very much. Perhaps motivation wasn't the right term, maybe "gung ho" is better.
This kid can be whatever he chooses, give him a task, he'll master it. Whether he chooses to pursue the USNA, Ivy league or a community college, he has my support, I'd just like him to utilize his gifts to his best advantage. Whether a Naval officer, teacher or cop, he'll excel.

I guess I've read so much here about how important it is for some to be appointed, my son just doesn't have that same singular focus. Whatever he chooses, he won't quit.

Yes, a SS will definitely be a turning point.
 
Stage4

I wish your son the best at any Summer Seminar. It will be a turning point...whatever the outcome! Any SS program should open his eyes to the expectations of service. They are extremely difficult to get into...my suggestions...have your son apply early and take the applications seriously.

My son counts it an honor that he was granted admission to USCGA and USAFA SS programs. They were life changing for him and confirmed his desire to serve!

Do not forget about the USCGA their SS was fantastic according to my son. In fact, he went as far to say...I wish every candidate could have experienced my week at the USCGA. He is 50/50 USCGA and USAFA...He has a tremendous amount of respect for those who serve in the USCG. It was not a program that he originally even considered...

I just do not want to leave them out.....they are top notch!

I wish you the best!:thumb:
 
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