Leslie_P_E
Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2019
- Messages
- 32
That seems like the track DS is on. He is in the class of 2024, and just declared his major in physics!
Life at & after the Academy
- Thread starter Mangito
- Start date
@Mangito , this is a great topic - there are many like you that are on the fence with civilian vs. SAs. CONGRATULATIONS on the LOA and nom! I quite understand what you mean by "It's all getting incredibly real". Now comes the knee jerk reaction - straight to the Plan B pile! to hmm, i'd better find out what it's REALLY like! (you are here) or yes, sign me up now and mom and dad, get ready for that photo op and start the caption with "So proud to announce.."
Here are some thoughts:
1. Making real life connections with those willing via PM on SAF
2. Former students/current Cadets/Graduates from your high school/ask your GC & teachers
3. Reach out to local parents group
4. Reach out to the AOG in your area (they do mentoring stuff)
5. If none of 3 or 4, reach out to ANY area 3 or 4, particularly Colorado parents group! In fact, it is strategic for you (and your parents) to make a new BFF in this pool, especially the ones that have DOD access and are sponsor parents (much more on that later).
6. "Organically" - I was surprised how many people reached out to DD once she had her offer of acceptance and were willing to zoom - my friend who has a friend who has a relative and all that.
Don't overlooking the initial best sources - your evaluator ALO and ALO - don't discount the latter. Just because he didn't attend USAFA, he will have tons of insight from a different angle. And they probably know others very willing to share their experiences.
One of my DD's greatest allies (that is the best way to describe her) is a C3C who went to the same magnet cluster. They speak magnet high school language, and have a bond due to coming from very similar backgrounds and education system.
For your parents - I can't recommend local parents group enough. Your parents will make their own friends and go-to connections; it has been great for me. I am thrilled that PTA type stuff will go on for another 4 years, and I feel like i'm really contributing (while staying in my own lane) by helping put goodie bags together, Wreaths Across America (fingers crossed it will take place!), and don't even get me started on State night (we can hope!). But unlike PTA, if you don't have a local club, or for whatever reason, it is possible to join another areas club (ours is open to anyone, regardless of location).
Here are some thoughts:
1. Making real life connections with those willing via PM on SAF
2. Former students/current Cadets/Graduates from your high school/ask your GC & teachers
3. Reach out to local parents group
4. Reach out to the AOG in your area (they do mentoring stuff)
5. If none of 3 or 4, reach out to ANY area 3 or 4, particularly Colorado parents group! In fact, it is strategic for you (and your parents) to make a new BFF in this pool, especially the ones that have DOD access and are sponsor parents (much more on that later).
6. "Organically" - I was surprised how many people reached out to DD once she had her offer of acceptance and were willing to zoom - my friend who has a friend who has a relative and all that.
Don't overlooking the initial best sources - your evaluator ALO and ALO - don't discount the latter. Just because he didn't attend USAFA, he will have tons of insight from a different angle. And they probably know others very willing to share their experiences.
One of my DD's greatest allies (that is the best way to describe her) is a C3C who went to the same magnet cluster. They speak magnet high school language, and have a bond due to coming from very similar backgrounds and education system.
For your parents - I can't recommend local parents group enough. Your parents will make their own friends and go-to connections; it has been great for me. I am thrilled that PTA type stuff will go on for another 4 years, and I feel like i'm really contributing (while staying in my own lane) by helping put goodie bags together, Wreaths Across America (fingers crossed it will take place!), and don't even get me started on State night (we can hope!). But unlike PTA, if you don't have a local club, or for whatever reason, it is possible to join another areas club (ours is open to anyone, regardless of location).
Pink3xs
Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2019
- Messages
- 37
Hey, I'm a doolie this year at USAFA. I've just gotten through my first semester here. I'm going to be honest and say the academy is not going to be like it used to, from before COVID, for a long while. I've wanted to go to school here for as long as I can remember and even then, I still applied to a TON of civilian schools. I ended up going to a falcon foundation school instead last year and now I'm here. I wouldn't rather be anywhere else.
So basically life here is different, it wasn't what I expected. It's a challenge. And it sounds stupid but it's a challenge that no one else is facing. Being a doolie, dealing with classes, military stuff, physical stuff, mental stuff, and COVID. Everyday though, things get a little bit better and we learn how to deal with life a little bit more.
I'm pm'ing you my number if you want to talk more. Anyone else that wants to talk about how I got here or academy life in general, please just reply to this and I'll send my info to you as well
.
chaseclaudia
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2024
- Messages
- 1
Hi, I am in a very similar situation you were in! I am a girl and I am currently a sophomore in high school and play tennis I was a state final for doubles my freshman year and made it to regionals for singles and around a 6 Utr. I wanted to become a pilot after Highschool but I didn't want to give up the opportunity to play tennis at a high level. I have a few schools looking at me but I am torn between the two. I also always loved the Air Force and have been eying the Acadmey for a while. I was wondering if you may be able to Pm me and help me figure some things out if you're not busy, please!