peppypea
Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2017
- Messages
- 308
I joined this forum just over two years ago- to say I was green to the process is putting it mildly. See, we aren't a military family- in fact, I was pretty much against my kids joining any branch of the military. Then we realized how darn expensive it is to educate a kid- holy smokes.
Ever since my DS was in 4th grade he has been interested in politics- what kid does that?! He realized pretty quickly that getting advanced degrees was going to be expensive. Additionally, some of our most respected leaders have a strong military background. A dear friend of mine mentioned that her little girl wanted to go to USAFA- and explained the prestige that is involved with an appointment. After a lot of research and some very heartfelt conversations with our DS (he admitted he always wanted to serve but was worried how we would feel) we decided to pursue an academy appointment.
What a journey the last two years have been! DS applied a year ago, double nominations, qualified up to wahhhzoo, volunteer, #1 in his class, blah blah blah- as a mama, I thought he was a shoo-in. (though, his SAT was a bit lower than they wanted, but still, how could they resist?!) Then we got the TWE. Uffda. What a punch in the gut! How could they not see what *I* saw?!
Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, be a strong mama bear for your cub, Peppy. So I did. In my disappointment, I received so many kind messages of encouragement and ideas on a pathway to success.
DS applied to MMI and received a very generous scholarship. While it was hard watching other kids on "I" Day knowing my DS would be home for another 6 weeks we decided it was the plan the Universe had for us and to put on a happy face. (Remind myself: there are many paths to commissioning as an officer, keep smiling, buck up Buttercup, it's not YOUR life mama- cub has to go from here.)
The past year at MMI has given DS such growth and a new extension of his family- young men and women he will forever be connected with! Don't get me wrong, it was a tough go at first- he never talked about quitting, but there were moments his heart REALLY was hurtin'- that's tough on a mama!
When we got the appointment this mid-march we were all over the moon, but one of the best parts was my new family here. The kindness, love and congratulations have just made me feel like bursting even more.
Remember, a TWE truly isn't the end of the road and sometimes having a year to prepare more is just exactly what you never knew you needed.
So, here's a big phat thank you to this forum and it's members- Aim High, friends, I am so lucky to have all of you. (and yes, that basketball toss will be burned into my memory for all of eternity.)
best,
PeppyPea
Ever since my DS was in 4th grade he has been interested in politics- what kid does that?! He realized pretty quickly that getting advanced degrees was going to be expensive. Additionally, some of our most respected leaders have a strong military background. A dear friend of mine mentioned that her little girl wanted to go to USAFA- and explained the prestige that is involved with an appointment. After a lot of research and some very heartfelt conversations with our DS (he admitted he always wanted to serve but was worried how we would feel) we decided to pursue an academy appointment.
What a journey the last two years have been! DS applied a year ago, double nominations, qualified up to wahhhzoo, volunteer, #1 in his class, blah blah blah- as a mama, I thought he was a shoo-in. (though, his SAT was a bit lower than they wanted, but still, how could they resist?!) Then we got the TWE. Uffda. What a punch in the gut! How could they not see what *I* saw?!
Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, be a strong mama bear for your cub, Peppy. So I did. In my disappointment, I received so many kind messages of encouragement and ideas on a pathway to success.
DS applied to MMI and received a very generous scholarship. While it was hard watching other kids on "I" Day knowing my DS would be home for another 6 weeks we decided it was the plan the Universe had for us and to put on a happy face. (Remind myself: there are many paths to commissioning as an officer, keep smiling, buck up Buttercup, it's not YOUR life mama- cub has to go from here.)
The past year at MMI has given DS such growth and a new extension of his family- young men and women he will forever be connected with! Don't get me wrong, it was a tough go at first- he never talked about quitting, but there were moments his heart REALLY was hurtin'- that's tough on a mama!
When we got the appointment this mid-march we were all over the moon, but one of the best parts was my new family here. The kindness, love and congratulations have just made me feel like bursting even more.
Remember, a TWE truly isn't the end of the road and sometimes having a year to prepare more is just exactly what you never knew you needed.
So, here's a big phat thank you to this forum and it's members- Aim High, friends, I am so lucky to have all of you. (and yes, that basketball toss will be burned into my memory for all of eternity.)
best,
PeppyPea
