Am i totally discouraging myself?

[krystalp89]

I'm in desperate need of advice. Here’s the situation. I didn’t get in to the academy last yr for the class of 2012. Firstly because I did really badly on my sat/act tests, I have huge problems with standardized tests, although my performance in college level classes and rigorous AP-IB classes depict otherwise and show I am more than prepared to take higher leveled classes but too bad for me thats not the way the world works :S . I'm pretty sure I failed my CFA at NASS because i was dying that entire week recovering from a cold and because frankly i just wasnt in shape... Also, the place where they sent me to take the medical exams messed up EVERYTHING thus I don’t even think dodmerb d'q me or EVEN qualified me for the academy, and to top it off, the staff of congressman Grijalva didn't complete the nomination process, after already being rejected by Senator McCain and Kyle lol but i seriously expected that, i was wayy to nervous and for no particular reason really... Anyways, it has always been a dream of mine to be in the military, specifically the Navy and since I've always had a desire for higher education, what better way than to attend a service academy. Furthermore, I want a career in politics/law or something along those lines, even an ambassador would be great but honestly I truly don't know what I want to do but I’ve always pictured myself working for the government in one way or another but i have no problem pursuing that after my time in the service, however long that may be. I really want to be a pilot for the navy, although I don’t know if my use of contacts will restrict me from doing so (corrected to 20/20 2 with them). If not a pilot, perhaps something in the intelligence sector of the navy. Now, for my personal flaws that keep me awake at night thinking there’s no way I could get through or even into the academy are these…
-- I’m a very good student (16th of 360 in my graduating HS class). National Honors Society, Math and Science club. French club, etc.. But never held any leadership positions in them except for my AFJROTC unit and various mentoring programs… I’m an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. Accepted in American University as well as the University of Maryland, but sadly could not afford either so I am bound to Arizona State and their honors college, Barrett. Over 400 hours of community service and job experience. Again, nothing out of the ordinary, just a very dedicated kid.
-- I am very bad at math ☹ I understand it but I have a hard time getting through it, thus I KNOW calc will be extremely difficult for me and physics for that matter as well.
__ I’ve never had proper chemistry instruction due to several problems in my schools administrative decisions in teacher/ substitute selection… So, I’m pretty much lost in that department. We didnt have a real teacher for two years, one even quit with a post it.. seriously..
-- I’m in NO WAY a varsity jock or an athlete for that matter. I played JV soccer for several years. I cant run a mile in 6 min like most mids but somewhere around 10… I cant to pull ups. But, I can do what is required of me because i hate letting others and myself down so ill do it throw blood and tears… i plan in joining club sports in college such as crew, and triathalons.. Cycling maybe, boxing. Swim teams as well to get in shape and for the ECA.. Religious groups, debate,, etc...

Now for the optimistic part…. I’m training very hard physically everyday to be a better “athlete” and to pass the CFA. I’m retaking the ACT exam, I’ve signed up for the highest level of math I could place in and chemistry for that matter as well, I’m trying really hard to be admitted into the Academy, but with these personal flaws in mind, I rattle my brain each and every night thinking if my effort is even going to be enough for the academy…. What are your opinions on my situation? Do I seriously need to be an all-star varsity athlete and an AP Calc wiz to get though the academy? I have an extremely strong sense of determination and I work meticulously on my assignments, but still. I wonder. Should I attempt to reapply? I really want to, but.. Well. I hope you understand my worries… I know i could do it, but i dont want to shoot myself in the foot either thinking i can gain enough experience in just one year to get through the academy. Omg, its like 3 am here.. haha..

Sorry its so lengthy haha.. but help please

 

[peskemom]

OK, here are my serious of questions and thoughts:Reading your story makes we wonder who shepherded you through this entire process.

1)Have you ever talked to ANYONE about all your options to serve our country? Other ways to serve such as government service, local police service, etc.

2)Have you talked with your Blue and Gold Officer since your rejection?

3) Have you talked with ANYONE from an ROTC unit for options to prepare you at the college level for military service.

4) Have you ever taken the ASVAB - the military test that recruiters use to give you some idea of your strengths and weaknesses.

5) Have you ever talked to midshipman directly about what their math, science, engineering, and other classes are like?

6) Did you ever stay in contact with your NASS Cadre? Asking them for input and help in your process??

7) Since you are in Arizona...are you near an Air Force base where you can volunteer to help out in some way? There are assistance programs for families, etc that really need support and you may find your strengths to serve your country come in the most unique ways....like Public Affairs for the Military.


I would strongly urge you to use this year to refocus yourself - seems like you know some of the steps with fitness and hard classes - but I am not sure you really know your true intellectual abilities. That's why calling your local recruiter and taking the ASVAB might really, really help you. It's a great tool to simply tell you more about how you might best serve in the military. I recall in our large public high school anyone who wanted to could take it. All 5 of my kids did and of course, with their scores, a recruiter called me each time. It was only my last kiddo who chose military service and before the recruiter ever called she had already put in her apps to all the Service Academies.

You have alot of ground to overcome if you want a USNA Appointment, but it IS possible.

I am sure others on this forum will help weigh in with suggestions but the one person you'll have to convince most of all is your inner self that this is what you want and what you are willing to work for.

God be with you as you seek your calling!

 

[wpmom2011]

You said, "I didn’t get in to the academy last yr for the class of 2012." Then you say you're an IB diploma candidate.

I'm a little confused. Have you already graduated? Are you going to be starting your freshman year in college at AZ State?

If that's the case, then reinforcing your Calc. and Chemistry is a very good thing. Even if you don't end up at a service academy, you'll benefit from those subjects in your academic career. Working out and building yourself physically is also a good thing - never hurts to be fit. If you're at AZ State, join a team. Universities have tons of opportunities to play intramurals.

What it all comes down to is what you are willing to do to make this happen for yourself. Maybe this is when you should really do some soul-searching and figure out what you really want to do, and how hard you are willing to work to achieve it. Once you know that, you'll be able to look at the path(s) to get there. There is more than one way to become an officer and/or pilot and serve our country.

Some of the choices I see you have right now are:
1. Go to college, get a degree, enlist (maybe as an officer).
2. Go to college under ROTC, coming out an officer.
3. Enlist and work your way up, and then re-apply to a SA. (Don't forget the Air Force and Army has aviation, too.)
4. Go to college, keep applying to the SA(s) of your choice. (The military loves to see persistence and dedication.)

The service academies will accept anyone up to the age of 23 on the day they report, so you have time. Time to gain maturity, build a better resume, etc.

Your tag line attracted my attention. I can't answer that, but I can ask you a few questions. Are you discouraging yourself? Why? Looks to me like you have a lot to build on.

 

[Zaphod]

I sent you a reply via PM.

As a summary, remember what I told you to do:

1) SLOW DOWN.
2) Decide what it is you want to do with your life. Officer? Diplomat? Pilot? A combination?
3) Decide the best way to achieve those goals.
4) Identify impediments along the way.
5) Work to resolve the impediments, or else go back to step 3 and reassess. If necessary, go back to Step 2.

Repeat until you know where you are, where you're going, and what you need to do to get there. Just don't try to do it all at once or you'll choke yourself needlessly.

We'll be here.

 

[krystalp89]

Reply to preskemom

1)Have you ever talked to ANYONE about all your options to serve our country? Other ways to serve such as government service, local police service, etc.


--- My entire family works for the government in one way or another, my dad is our local fire chief, my uncle works for homeland security, my sister is a border patrol.. etc.. I'm aware of that vast opportunities to serve my country and I feel the navy has always been my choice of serving the country. Now my desire to attend the academy is rock solid, especially because I'm very dedicated to my academics so i want to keep pursuing higher education as well and the academy is the perfect place for me to obtain both my dreams of being a naval officer and obtaining that b.s degree in poli sci.

2)Have you talked with your Blue and Gold Officer since your rejection?

I have not done this actually, i thought once we were rejected thats it . But i did email him the other day explaining my situation but i have not heard from him yet. But i will keep bothering him

3) Have you talked with ANYONE from an ROTC unit for options to prepare you at the college level for military service.

The only ROTC unit i have consulted about this was my own in hs, they helped me in every way they could-- recommendation letters, etc.. But since its an AF unit, they really had no idea of USNA's process. Also, AZ state has no NROTC and I have not been in contact with them yet because they were not at orientation. I'm not sure if i even have time in my schedule for the rotc class. I already have around 17 credit hours.

4) Have you ever taken the ASVAB - the military test that recruiters use to give you some idea of your strengths and weaknesses.

I have and apparently i scored very well because i had recruiters from every branch visit me hahah but i explained to them i wanted to attend a SA but I still keep their suggestions open.

5) Have you ever talked to midshipman directly about what their math, science, engineering, and other classes are like?

I have to a couple on myspace, they say its ridiculous and insane lol.. thats what discourages me the most, i don't know if i can keep up with them if they are all calc and chem wizzes although I'm always up for help.

6) Did you ever stay in contact with your NASS Cadre? Asking them for input and help in your process??

I haven't but now that you mention it I'm going to email him later and ask him a couple of things.

7) Since you are in Arizona...are you near an Air Force base where you can volunteer to help out in some way? There are assistance programs for families, etc that really need support and you may find your strengths to serve your country come in the most unique ways....like Public Affairs for the Military.

This is a VERY good idea lol.. I will try and volunteer and or work there during my ac year at az state.

I know what i want i guess i just have a low self esteem. I never seem to measure up to anyone, even what i expect from myself although i have proven myself capable of anything over and over again. I'm a strong individual thats very dedicated to what i apply myself to and want, usually always worrying too much about the small stuff but in the end producing great work. I've just been badgered so much through high school about my meticulous work ethic that its brought me down considerably. I know i can do it, but maybe others see something i cannot and they might have a point :S Even my boyfriend says i should not try to reapply because i've already lost that opportunity and need to concentrate on college, something i can conquer but its easy for him to say he got his dream of attending an ivy league college in california. I'm just scared their right...

I need to stop doubting myself so much.. i know i can do anything if i put my mind on it..

 

[krystalp89]

In reply to wpmom2011,

I did just graduate with the class of 2008, but I am still considered an IB candidate until we have notification that we have received the diploma sometime in July. And I am going to attend AZ state and the honors college there as a freshmen this year

I do plan to reinforce my math and my chem, since I am not that good at it right now lol. I cannot take calculus though because I need to complete math 142 before proceeding to a higher math. And I do plan in going several club sports such as crew, Cycling & Triathlon, and perhaps even sailing.

I will certainly not give up in the race to obtain an appointment to the academy but if it just doesn’t work out, I believe I will continue my college career and then enlist perhaps as an officer, or jag corps, although I know that leap into Jag is very difficult but.. Well.. I just need to get over being scared. I've never been one to be scared but high school ridicule certainly took its toll on my soul.. Thx for the advice though!

 

[peskemom]

Krystal...there is one more thing, a bit broader than JAG, and that is OCS - the Officer Candidate School option allows you to get your college degree with no military assistance, and THEN contact the Service of your choice and see if they wish to use you and your degree. This was the way my own step-dad became JAG, by the way, during the Vietnam war.

The more I think about my 'volunteer' suggestion to you, and read your own self-analysis, the more I am convinced that some kind of regular volunteering will REALLY help build your self-confidence. It truly is in 'giving that we receive' and you will find your own feelings about yourself will blossom as you focus on the needs of others. I do hope your college schedule works out to allow this for you.

And respond to Zaphod, by the way. Know him personally - Consider his advice seriously. Trust his input.

Love you Z!

 

[krystalp89]

Zaphod, I will definately take you advice and although ive been thinking of those questions A LOT, i think with this coming ac year it will become clearer to me. But the academy is definately not off my list.. its at the top. I think i can achieve what i set my mind on whether its being an officer or a diplomat i just need to get my head straight. And i definately need to slow down.. thx for the advice.. Although im still lost, you all have helped me a lot to become less lost haha..

 

[MM3 Kim]

It looks like you are very determined to get into the Naval Academy. I am actually off to the Naval Academy Prep school this comin year. I was in the same boat as you a year ago, I really wasn't that great in math or on standardized tests but all I wanted was the USNA. So I scored well on the ASVAB and decided to enlist in the Navys Nuclear Engineering Program. From our command we have a very high acceptance rate because Power School is one of the most difficult technical schools in the Military. Period. This year we had a 100 percent acceptance rate for the 2nd selection board. So if your serious about the academy the nuke program is another option, plus you will gain valuable experience being prior enlisted. PM me if u have any questions!