Minorities at West Point

[Sofia272727]

Hi all. I am LGBTQ+, Jewish, Hispanic, and a woman. I received an LOA to West Point. Can anyone in any of these four categories tell me a little bit about how it will affect my life at West Point? Admittedly, I am a bit nervous. Thank you.

 

[prospective2019]

I check two of those boxes. The only thing I believe affects life as a cadet that you listed is gender. It is a different experience being a female at West Point than a male, though not necessarily in a good or bad way. There are some external pressures to perform and prove oneself, if I'm being honest. But I'm yet to have any real negative experiences pertinent to it.

There are strong communities of LGBTQ+, Jewish, and Hispanic cadets. You will find brothers and sisters of every kind. We are united by shared experiences regardless of any classification. It is what makes the Corps strong. No need to be nervous.

 

[MidCakePa]

Perform well and those aspects won’t be an issue. Don’t perform well and they still won’t be an issue, most likely. Doesn’t mean you won’t run into a bigot or two — the SAs are still a reflection of society, which isn’t perfect — but performance is the coin of the realm in the military.

 

[Devil Doc]

This young man is probably a captain by now. He was a football player and student of mine years ago. He showed up to West Point with lots of intersectionalities. I first met him as a high school freshman in August on the football field before school started. He stood out from the other mostly minority 14 year olds who were marking their territory by acting tough and being phony cool in the high heat of the day. EJ was all “Yes Sir, and whatever you need coach.” He dropped in to see me after he graduated. He still calls me coach. At WP he was both the class president and first captain. Only a few others have held both positions at the same time. I linked this article about him. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. One other thing. His high school is the same as the the current superintendent of West Point.

http://www.pointerview.com/2016/05/26/coleman-first-captain-and-class-president/#:~:text=First%20Captain%20and%20Class%20President%20are%20two%20of,was%20the%20first%20African-American%20to%20hold%20both%20positions

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[Soldiergriz]

Hi all. I am LGBTQ+, Jewish, Hispanic, and a woman. I received an LOA to West Point. Can anyone in any of these four categories tell me a little bit about how it will affect my life at West Point? Admittedly, I am a bit nervous. Thank you.

Are you also smart, tough, persistent, and committed?

If so, you'll do well.