Sydney C.
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2013
- Messages
- 747
Dadof2; Our DD entered the USNA with a commitment to herself that she would do at least one year at USNA.
"Everything you want is on the other side of fear."
Jack Canfield
Been Navy for a long time and I'm going to just put it out there knowing that there will be backlash.
Ever thought that maybe, just maybe they don't want to go. That its not about fear. That its just not what they had thought and are too afraid of just saying it to their parents! Why is it that we keep trying to CONVINCE people that they should go. Isn't adulthood about making a choice and living with it. Funny enough, I've read so many of you say, "make a choice and don't look back!" Maybe they've made their choice. No offense, but the last thing I want is a person standing next to me not really wanting tobe there to begin with and just making it through. Also, the mention of money should NEVER come into play when talk of a SA or military comes up. IT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED. Regardless of if you want to believe it or not, the talk of money makes kids in this scenario feel bad. Even if parents can afford college, it doesn't matter!
No offense, but the last thing I want is a person standing next to me not really wanting to be there to begin with and just making it through.
+1 --For others, they are something to be worked through and some who were very worried before I-Day go on to fantastic military careers.
Well, not sure what to do or how to help my DD, but she is starting to get cold feet and is reconsidering. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Respectfully, after 23 years as a regular Navy Officer, I have earned the right to express my view.
USNA mission is to produce war fighters for our nations Navy & Marine Corp.
You may just try to remind her that that she is not giving up 9 years of her life, she is getting a first class education and a lifetime of experiences that most of her civilian peers may never have. I'd hate to see her give up on an opportunity of a lifetime without even giving it a chance. Just MHO.Thanks for the feedback - she's highly independent, been to it all, Summer STEM, CVW, NASS, Sports ID Camps, other college visits etc... Everything was fine and running smooth until she went on her last plan B college weekend visit back in April. Doubt crept in after that, and it's been all down hill since then. Just hate to see her make a mistake, she has yet to give me a real reason - I suspect she is being influenced by plebes or others posting on social media about the conditions and what they experienced etc.. - her only comment to me was all of a sudden not wanting to give up "9 yrs of her life".
Absolutely, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I respect where you are coming from. Thank you for your service.
No question that is the end result, but all of the incoming Plebes are 4 years from that point. The Mission of USNA is to "develop Midshipmen mentally, morally, and physically, to be Officers in the Naval Service..." USNA is not necessarily looking for ready made officers, but instead we looking for the best and brightest kids in the US who are interested in serving. Our biggest competition is the Ivy League schools, and many of our incoming class turns down the big name Ivy League schools as their Plan B.
Also, this is not issue of stepping aside and making room for another candidate. If this, or any other candidate, decides not to attend, Admissions will first evaluate the class size (based upon yield from Offers made). There is a wait list, which by this time is small, and it is possible that some lucky candidate would get that last minute call, but at this point its really a numbers game.
I too am an "Old BGO" and respectfully disagree. I can tell you in no uncertain terms, if I was interviewing any candidate and they informed me that they were not fully committed, they would not receive a TOP 5% rating. If she are not fully committed to USNA, then she should give it up! You will not succeed at the academy without a full commitment. Service means sacrifice and most in the military today consider it an honor to serve. There is a big difference between COLD FEET and not being 100% committed. This late in the game to say you are concerned about #giving up 9 years of your life" is not the attitude of a future Naval Officer IMHO.