Just got my 2nd TWE but everything happens for a reason! To all of the first time applicants who may not have gotten the news they wanted to hear:
It's ok! Everything happens for a reason and God has a plan for you. Whether or not we see it, we wind up where we're meant to be. I remember in March of 2022 I received my 4 year NROTC Scholarship and later got my first TWE from USNA on April 11th. I was devasted, as I had wanted to go to USNA since 5th grade because I live 30 minutes away from the academy and fell in love with it growing up. The next day on April 12th I received the email saying I was turned down and decided to move forward with what was at the time my plan B. I went to NSI in June, and re-applied for USNA Class of 2027.
For those who are going to what they see as their plan B, my biggest piece of advice is to go in with an open mind!! So many people told me this, and at first I didn't think my mindset would make a difference because regardless of where I went, if it wasn't USNA I was going to hate it. Fast forward 1 year later, I'm sitting here at my college and I'm happy to say that I took their advice and arrived with an open mind and I absolutely love it here! I'm a navy option on scholarship and the battalion I'm in is filled with amazing people. People that I would not have been fortunate enough to meet had I received an appointment to USNA. Please do not let the fact that you did not get an offer to USNA or one of its prep programs discourage you. You have the power to decide how the next 4 or so years goes, make the best of it!!
About 20 minutes ago I refreshed my portal and saw the "Turned Down" status pop up again for my class of 2027 application. While it definitely stings, I know that God has a plan for me, and even though we're all working towards that finish line with a gold Ensign or 2nd Lt bar, He wanted me to take a different path to get there. Please don't be discouraged by whatever the outcome is. You have a goal to serve our country, whether it be through the Navy, Marine Corps, Army or Air Force as a commissioned officer. You have the opportunity, whether it be through ROTC, OCS, PLC or a Service Academy to earn the title of O-1 in the best military on the face of the Earth. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity and become the best officer you can be, regardless of the commissioning source! Your source of commission does not make you a better or worse officer by default. The staff at my battalion has a wonderful mix of USNA, OCS and NROTC graduates and they are all amazing officers!
Sheryl Sandberg said, "If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on." We've all been offered a seat, so seize the opportunity!
Congratulations to everyone regardless of what news comes your way, you all are bound for amazing things!