NROTC Essay

[guydelarosa]

Would you guy's consider this Essay good enough to stand a chance during selection boards? In addition to this I have a 31 ACT and a 4.1 GPA along with being a high level athlete.

Also my where it stands is past the character limit. Where would you suggest I take out from the essay?

Prompt: Discuss your reasons for wanting to become a Naval Officer. Specifically comment on leadership positions you've held, the challenges you have faced and the lessons you have leaned.


Essay:

As the sun beat down on each tombstone, I zig-zagged my way through the seemingly endless rows of the cemetery. Stopping at each stone revealed the same letters and numbers, June 6, 1944. At the stopping of each tombstone, my path in life became more evident; the military would be my calling in life.

All 9,388 men interred at this cemetery sacrificed their lives for the same reason, protecting freedom. As the old saying goes, “freedom isn’t free.” For 18 years I have had the privilege to enjoy freedoms such as having a safe home, food on the table, and receiving an education, but what most people don’t notice is that for every one of these freedoms, a price was paid; the price was paid by the blood of men and women across the military. The harsh reality is that sacrifice from others is required for the simplicities of everyday life. It is the men and women of the US Navy that are the first to answer the call when freedom is threatened. It is unjust that children must grow up without a parent or mothers must bury their child while I do nothing on my part. My dream is to serve with men and women who all feel the same sense of necessity to give back to a country that gave us everything.

As I continued through the maze of tombstones, my mind kept going back to the countless times I watched Saving Private Ryan as a child, specifically the initial beach landings. As the men stood in the Higgins Boats, contemplating what was to come, their leader, Captain James Miller, was right next to them. When the doors of the boat opened, and the hail of gunfire began, Captain Miller was charging forward side by side with his men. Rather than wavering in the face of danger, Captain Miller led by example. As the Navy Ethos states, “Decisive leadership is crucial to our success.” It was this decisive leadership that was exemplified in the actions of Captain Miller that was critical in competing the mission goal.

Although I have never been faced with a situation where my decision would mean life or death for those around me, I can recall many instances where my decisions led to my teammates changing their actions. The most notable of these occurrences was during the last couple of months of my senior year. All the underclassmen received an email, from the director of hockey at my school, saying that there would be mandatory conditioning sessions three times a week in preparation for the upcoming season. What these sessions entailed was running, running, and even more running. With it being spring term (our offseason) and the end of the school year, my teammates’ logical response was to dismiss this email as just another obligation that would be forgotten about. When I saw only a handful of kids showed up to the first session, I decided I would start going myself with the hope that more people follow me. When I began to attend, my friends started as well, and with my school having a minute number of students, a domino effect was started where large groups showed up just because their friends were there. Just recently, a friend of mine who was moved to the school’s best team for this season thanked me for “forcing” him to go running, because he thought that is what made the difference for him in tryouts. Like Captain Miller, it was my actions that were crucial in helping to achieve collective success or this case, my teammate’s success. It is this sense of gratification that stems from being a leader and contributing to a greater cause, that I wish to achieve as an officer in the US Navy.

All too often, we contemplate the “what ifs.” Sure, life in the military may not be the most orthodox, but later on in life, I don’t want to theorize what could have been of my life if only I had followed my dream.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

It's a great start, but there is room for improvement. I would not submit this as-is. I think you're asking sincerely because you want feedback, not just accolades, so I'll be honest and specific in response. Recommend you consider the following:

• Seek to avoid run-on sentences. Ex. For 18 years I have had the privilege to enjoy freedoms such as having a safe home, food on the table, and receiving an education, but what most people don’t notice is that for every one of these freedoms, a price was paid; the price was paid by the blood of men and women across the military.
• For "At the stopping of each tombstone, my path in life became more evident; the military would be my calling in life. "Explain how you felt and where you were, and why these sacrifices of these women and men is important to you andj how/ why this motivates you to a life of service - not just that you saw row after row of resting places and boom/ therefore your life path is cemented. How did you feel/ what does the sacrifice these heroes made mean to you?
• You're discussing a location and moment where you need to be most reverent and respectful. the verb zig-zagged candidly annoyed me as a reader - maybe I'm just old and ornery, but if you're asking, I would change the verb. You sound like a punk on a skateboard with a hat on backwards in a place you need to not zig-zag your *ss through. My attempt at humor there - disregard as needed.
• As you mentioned, it's nearly twice the character limit.
• Your example could be clarified. I'll reiterate some detailed points below - hope that helps. First, it says you went to a practice and saw no one was there, and then started going which inspired others. That's a disconnect - You can't start going twice and if I read it correctly, you didn't change course - you just continued doing what you started- going to a practice you should have been going to - can you think of a stronger example? Or was this a practice for underclassmen, and even though you weren't required, you led by example and showed up, which inspired others? I would recommend cleaning it up, because as-written, It doesn't leave me thinking "wow". You also use the word "hope" like I kept doing what I was doing and I hoped it would help, which sounds passive, not perhaps the best example of why you would be a solid future military leader - honestly I recommend finding a stronger example of an action you've taken that made a difference. I would bolster this and take a moment and think of a different example one where took active action, like one where you rallied the team, called around to make sure the team knew the importance of being prepared-- if that is the case. You build it up as "most notable" so it should be something you took action on, other than showing up like you're supposed to. I like the example of a teammate who you inspired making the best team. I would include a team result - your team was well conditioned and won it's first 5 games of the season - something like that.
• Higgins Boats- no need to capitalize the B in boats.

You come across as sincere, committed, dedicated, interested to serve, and thoughtful. that's great and thank you for your willingness to serve. - just make some adjustments and I hope the feedback above helps you on your journey. Feel welcome to post a Version II or any questions if additional feedback would help.

Very respectfully,
Hermie, Sr.

 

[learningNavymom]

A good start, but the length is a huge hurdle. Put on your "concision" hat and trim this down. Cutting out adjectives will help. Also you could/should delete the last sentence. You will need to find other sentences to delete and/or shorten.

And the sentence that Hermie cites as a "run-on sentence" is a perfectly grammatically correct sentence, by the way. (A long sentence is not the same as a run-on sentence.)

Good luck!

 

[Herman_Snerd]

A good start, but the length is a huge hurdle. Put on your "concision" hat and trim this down. Cutting out adjectives will help. Also you could/should delete the last sentence. You will need to find other sentences to delete and/or shorten.

And the sentence that Hermie cites as a "run-on sentence" is a perfectly grammatically correct sentence, by the way. (A long sentence is not the same as a run-on sentence.)

Good luck!

I'll take that as correct and good feedback - thanks @learning. But since this is all about helping this young person I'll add that it may be perfectly grammatically correct but IMO still way too darn long. I started reading that sentence while we were taxiing from the gate at RDU this morning, and we were coming in for our approach at JFK when I finished. That sentence had an intermission!

 

[USMCGrunt]

I seldom comment on essays but need to weigh in here. I don't understand why you would cite Captain Miller (Army) in a NROTC essay. There are plenty of Naval heroes that could be used to make your point.

Also, I don't feel you address the prompt with any specificity.

Good luck!

 

[guydelarosa]

It's a great start, but there is room for improvement. I would not submit this as-is. I think you're asking sincerely because you want feedback, not just accolades, so I'll be honest and specific in response. Recommend you consider the following:

• Seek to avoid run-on sentences. Ex. For 18 years I have had the privilege to enjoy freedoms such as having a safe home, food on the table, and receiving an education, but what most people don’t notice is that for every one of these freedoms, a price was paid; the price was paid by the blood of men and women across the military.
• For "At the stopping of each tombstone, my path in life became more evident; the military would be my calling in life. "Explain how you felt and where you were, and why these sacrifices of these women and men is important to you andj how/ why this motivates you to a life of service - not just that you saw row after row of resting places and boom/ therefore your life path is cemented. How did you feel/ what does the sacrifice these heroes made mean to you?
• You're discussing a location and moment where you need to be most reverent and respectful. the verb zig-zagged candidly annoyed me as a reader - maybe I'm just old and ornery, but if you're asking, I would change the verb. You sound like a punk on a skateboard with a hat on backwards in a place you need to not zig-zag your *ss through. My attempt at humor there - disregard as needed.
• As you mentioned, it's nearly twice the character limit.
• Your example could be clarified. I'll reiterate some detailed points below - hope that helps. First, it says you went to a practice and saw no one was there, and then started going which inspired others. That's a disconnect - You can't start going twice and if I read it correctly, you didn't change course - you just continued doing what you started- going to a practice you should have been going to - can you think of a stronger example? Or was this a practice for underclassmen, and even though you weren't required, you led by example and showed up, which inspired others? I would recommend cleaning it up, because as-written, It doesn't leave me thinking "wow". You also use the word "hope" like I kept doing what I was doing and I hoped it would help, which sounds passive, not perhaps the best example of why you would be a solid future military leader - honestly I recommend finding a stronger example of an action you've taken that made a difference. I would bolster this and take a moment and think of a different example one where took active action, like one where you rallied the team, called around to make sure the team knew the importance of being prepared-- if that is the case. You build it up as "most notable" so it should be something you took action on, other than showing up like you're supposed to. I like the example of a teammate who you inspired making the best team. I would include a team result - your team was well conditioned and won it's first 5 games of the season - something like that.
• Higgins Boats- no need to capitalize the B in boats.

You come across as sincere, committed, dedicated, interested to serve, and thoughtful. that's great and thank you for your willingness to serve. - just make some adjustments and I hope the feedback above helps you on your journey. Feel welcome to post a Version II or any questions if additional feedback would help.

Very respectfully,
Hermie, Sr.

Thank you very much for this feedback. I took a step back with the essay, and decide to take slightly different approach. Is there anyway I could contact you directly so you can provide feedback on this second version. Your initial feedback was very helpful, and I would appreciate it if you could look over the other essay.

Thanks,
Guy

 

[AROTC-dad]

Is there anyway I could contact you directly so you can provide feedback on this second version

FYI, You need at least five (legitimate) posts plus a one day cycle time before you are able to send private conversation messages.

 

[guydelarosa]

It's a great start, but there is room for improvement. I would not submit this as-is. I think you're asking sincerely because you want feedback, not just accolades, so I'll be honest and specific in response. Recommend you consider the following:

• Seek to avoid run-on sentences. Ex. For 18 years I have had the privilege to enjoy freedoms such as having a safe home, food on the table, and receiving an education, but what most people don’t notice is that for every one of these freedoms, a price was paid; the price was paid by the blood of men and women across the military.
• For "At the stopping of each tombstone, my path in life became more evident; the military would be my calling in life. "Explain how you felt and where you were, and why these sacrifices of these women and men is important to you andj how/ why this motivates you to a life of service - not just that you saw row after row of resting places and boom/ therefore your life path is cemented. How did you feel/ what does the sacrifice these heroes made mean to you?
• You're discussing a location and moment where you need to be most reverent and respectful. the verb zig-zagged candidly annoyed me as a reader - maybe I'm just old and ornery, but if you're asking, I would change the verb. You sound like a punk on a skateboard with a hat on backwards in a place you need to not zig-zag your *ss through. My attempt at humor there - disregard as needed.
• As you mentioned, it's nearly twice the character limit.
• Your example could be clarified. I'll reiterate some detailed points below - hope that helps. First, it says you went to a practice and saw no one was there, and then started going which inspired others. That's a disconnect - You can't start going twice and if I read it correctly, you didn't change course - you just continued doing what you started- going to a practice you should have been going to - can you think of a stronger example? Or was this a practice for underclassmen, and even though you weren't required, you led by example and showed up, which inspired others? I would recommend cleaning it up, because as-written, It doesn't leave me thinking "wow". You also use the word "hope" like I kept doing what I was doing and I hoped it would help, which sounds passive, not perhaps the best example of why you would be a solid future military leader - honestly I recommend finding a stronger example of an action you've taken that made a difference. I would bolster this and take a moment and think of a different example one where took active action, like one where you rallied the team, called around to make sure the team knew the importance of being prepared-- if that is the case. You build it up as "most notable" so it should be something you took action on, other than showing up like you're supposed to. I like the example of a teammate who you inspired making the best team. I would include a team result - your team was well conditioned and won it's first 5 games of the season - something like that.
• Higgins Boats- no need to capitalize the B in boats.

You come across as sincere, committed, dedicated, interested to serve, and thoughtful. that's great and thank you for your willingness to serve. - just make some adjustments and I hope the feedback above helps you on your journey. Feel welcome to post a Version II or any questions if additional feedback would help.

Very respectfully,
Hermie, Sr.

I would appreciate it if you could provide feedback on this second version of the essay.





As the sun beat down on each tombstone, I traversed my way through the seemingly endless rows of Arlington National Cemetery. As I read the name son each stone, I had an epiphany; all these men and women died for me. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve my way of life, but what had I done in return? The more I contemplated this thought, the more evident it became that the military would be my calling in life.

For 18 years I have had the privilege to enjoy a life of security, but what most many don’t notice is that this freedom requires sacrifice. Individuals in the Navy have demonstrated the utmost level of dedication, and I desire to honor the sacrifices of those before me, by serving my country and preserving freedom.

One of the most important aspects of a career in the Navy is leadership. The Navy ethos states, “We do not waver in our dedication in our dedication and accountability to our shipmates and families.” It is the dedication and accountability that stems from leadership, that leads to collective success. To me, an officer in the Navy encompasses specific traits: selflessness, courage, and an unwavering dedication to his fellow sailors. It is these traits that have fueled my attraction to the prospect of being an officer in the Navy. Whether it be in sports, school, or just everyday life, I strive to emulate what it means to lead in the Navy.

There have been many instances where my dedication to my teammates was demonstrated, the most notable occurring this past spring. At the beginning of the hockey offseason, all the underclassmen where notified that there would be mandatory conditioning sessions. With it being the off-season, very few kids attended. After seeing what was happening, I decided to attend the sessions, even though I was a senior and was not required to go, with the intention that the underclassmen would follow the example set by myself. Within a week, the entire team was attending, seniors included, all because I decided to dedicate my time to benefit the team. After the tryouts, this September one of my friends was moved up to the school’s best team. Shortly after hearing the news my friend thanked me for “forcing” him to go to the session, because he thinks they made the difference for him in tryouts. The gratification that stemmed from knowing I affected someone’s life is unlike anything I have ever felt before. Experiences such as these have helped to solidify my aspiration to be an officer in the Navy.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

It's markedly improved - very nice turnaround. OK again being honest, I feel it's not yet ready for prime time - just yet. I recommend considering the minor changes below and then reviewing that version with your guidance counselor / English tutoring lab or teacher at HS to tighten it up, then post that version as V3 here for additional small feedback if you'd like. You're almost there!

I'd also like to see a sentence about how the threats our world is facing today are just as real/ tangible to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on D-Day, and why you want to serve to protect the freedoms that you've enjoyed (you already have that second part - maybe tie that together?

Small recommendations:
1. Change name son each stone to names on each stone.
2. Rows of Arlington National Cemetery could be Rows at Arlington - Maybe, not sure.
3. but what most many don’t notice - Sounds like “Bubba was my best good friend". Recommend remove most.
4. One of the most important aspects of a career in the Navy is leadership - recommend revising to a different word. Not sure what. I really don't know - it just to me reads awkwardly - leadership as an aspect of a career. Maybe it's OK - think about it.
5. would follow the example set by myself. Could change to follow my example
6. all because I decided to dedicate my time to benefit the team. Reads a bit silly with "all because I", honestly - risk is that it makes you sound like a 5 year old with "I did it all by myself" pride. This section overall needs some revamping - I get the point you are looking to make but it just needs to tie what you did to the results and impacts without sounding like you are too proud.

Again much better/ again you're almost there but invest in an additional round of editing - this is a very competitive situation so you won't regret putting your very best foot forward. I hope you'll serve side by side with my DS (son) and his "brothers and sisters" in the armed forces. Good luck and glad the initial feedback was helpful to you.

 

[Heatherg21]

definitely a better version and I concur with @Herman_Snerd, all good observations.
Good luck!

 

[guydelarosa]

It's markedly improved - very nice turnaround. OK again being honest, I feel it's not yet ready for prime time - just yet. I recommend considering the minor changes below and then reviewing that version with your guidance counselor / English tutoring lab or teacher at HS to tighten it up, then post that version as V3 here for additional small feedback if you'd like. You're almost there!

I'd also like to see a sentence about how the threats our world is facing today are just as real/ tangible to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on D-Day, and why you want to serve to protect the freedoms that you've enjoyed (you already have that second part - maybe tie that together?

Small recommendations:
1. Change name son each stone to names on each stone.
2. Rows of Arlington National Cemetery could be Rows at Arlington - Maybe, not sure.
3. but what most many don’t notice - Sounds like “Bubba was my best good friend". Recommend remove most.
4. One of the most important aspects of a career in the Navy is leadership - recommend revising to a different word. Not sure what. I really don't know - it just to me reads awkwardly - leadership as an aspect of a career. Maybe it's OK - think about it.
5. would follow the example set by myself. Could change to follow my example
6. all because I decided to dedicate my time to benefit the team. Reads a bit silly with "all because I", honestly - risk is that it makes you sound like a 5 year old with "I did it all by myself" pride. This section overall needs some revamping - I get the point you are looking to make but it just needs to tie what you did to the results and impacts without sounding like you are too proud.

Again much better/ again you're almost there but invest in an additional round of editing - this is a very competitive situation so you won't regret putting your very best foot forward. I hope you'll serve side by side with my DS (son) and his "brothers and sisters" in the armed forces. Good luck and glad the initial feedback was helpful to you.

Thank you for the continued support. I made what I think are the finishing touches to the essay. I can't show my HS teaches, as I have already graduated an am playing jr hockey. Could you please provide feedback on anything I can change to finally have the essay ready to submit.



As the sun beat down on each tombstone, I traversed my way through the seemingly endless rows at Arlington National Cemetery. As I read the names on each stone, I had an epiphany; all these men and women died for me. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve my way of life, but what had I done in return? The more I contemplated this thought, the more evident it became that the military would be my calling in life.

For 18 years I have had the privilege to enjoy a life of security, but what many don’t notice is that this freedom requires sacrifice. Individuals in the Navy have demonstrated the utmost level of dedication, and I desire to honor the sacrifices of those before me, by serving my country and preserving freedom.

One of the core principles of a career in the Navy is leadership. The Navy ethos states, “We do not waver in our dedication and accountability to our shipmates and families.” It is the dedication and accountability that stems from leadership, that leads to group success. To me, an officer in the Navy encompasses specific traits: selflessness, courage, and an unwavering dedication to his fellow sailors. It is these traits that have fueled my attraction to the prospect of being an officer in the Navy. Whether it be in sports, school, or life, I strive to emulate what it means to lead in the Navy.

There have been many instances where my dedication to my teammates was demonstrated, the most notable occurring this past spring. At the beginning of the hockey offseason, all the underclassmen where notified that there would be mandatory conditioning sessions. With it being the off-season, very few kids attended. After seeing what was happening, I decided to attend the sessions, even though I was a senior and was not required to go, with the intention that the underclassmen would follow my example. Within a week, the entire team was attending, seniors included. By setting an example and pushing my teammates and myself to betterment, we were able to achieve collective success. After the tryouts this September, one of my friends was moved up to the school’s best team. Shortly after hearing the news, my friend thanked me for “forcing” him to go to the sessions, because he thought they made the difference for him in tryouts. The gratification that stemmed from knowing I affected someone’s life is unlike anything I have ever felt before. Experiences such as these have helped to solidify my aspiration to be an officer in the Navy.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

So as I fairly often say on this board, I'm going to respond as if you were my own child. I now better understand you are no longer in HS, but I recommend phoning a friend here so to speak, and reaching out/ emailing your former HS teachers, your old guidance counselor, and specifically the English / writing tutor lab and politely ask them for feedback and ask if they would meet you for 30 minutes one day next week, after or before school, to review your essays. If you're traveling for hockey, then explain that and ask if they might please email you some constructive feedback. This is important to you, and let them know you respect their talent and wisht o ask for their help. Again I recommend taking that extra step. Sounds like you were a bit of a hockey legend for that school, and with your interest to serve likely U R a polite, respectful young person - you might be surprised that they might be very willing to help you. You're the same age as my son, and I imagine the thought of returning to the HS would not be embraced for him either - he's "done" with HS - has been since about October of his SR year - but in this case, I recommend going to that uncomfortable ask/ place because I think you would significantly benefit from taking the great foundation you have, and tightening it up with that guidance.

Overall the essay again is much better. Apologies, I was getting a slice of pizza or something on the day the Lord handed out writing talent. I would take this on to help, but I can't dunk a basketball, when I try to dance people think I'm trying to dance goofily on purpose to get a laugh even though I'm just grooving/ seriously giving it my best effort, and writing isn't my forte. Seriously hope this advice helps - again much better - I'd say you're at a point where this essay might help and won't do damage, but you could take it to another level where it would do nothing but help your application. Good luck - again post another version after that if you would like a final round of feedback.

 

[Ew3081]

Would you guy's consider this Essay good enough to stand a chance during selection boards? In addition to this I have a 31 ACT and a 4.1 GPA along with being a high level athlete.

Also my where it stands is past the character limit. Where would you suggest I take out from the essay?

Prompt: Discuss your reasons for wanting to become a Naval Officer. Specifically comment on leadership positions you've held, the challenges you have faced and the lessons you have leaned.


Essay:

As the sun beat down on each tombstone, I zig-zagged my way through the seemingly endless rows of the cemetery. Stopping at each stone revealed the same letters and numbers, June 6, 1944. At the stopping of each tombstone, my path in life became more evident; the military would be my calling in life.

All 9,388 men interred at this cemetery sacrificed their lives for the same reason, protecting freedom. As the old saying goes, “freedom isn’t free.” For 18 years I have had the privilege to enjoy freedoms such as having a safe home, food on the table, and receiving an education, but what most people don’t notice is that for every one of these freedoms, a price was paid; the price was paid by the blood of men and women across the military. The harsh reality is that sacrifice from others is required for the simplicities of everyday life. It is the men and women of the US Navy that are the first to answer the call when freedom is threatened. It is unjust that children must grow up without a parent or mothers must bury their child while I do nothing on my part. My dream is to serve with men and women who all feel the same sense of necessity to give back to a country that gave us everything.

As I continued through the maze of tombstones, my mind kept going back to the countless times I watched Saving Private Ryan as a child, specifically the initial beach landings. As the men stood in the Higgins Boats, contemplating what was to come, their leader, Captain James Miller, was right next to them. When the doors of the boat opened, and the hail of gunfire began, Captain Miller was charging forward side by side with his men. Rather than wavering in the face of danger, Captain Miller led by example. As the Navy Ethos states, “Decisive leadership is crucial to our success.” It was this decisive leadership that was exemplified in the actions of Captain Miller that was critical in competing the mission goal.

Although I have never been faced with a situation where my decision would mean life or death for those around me, I can recall many instances where my decisions led to my teammates changing their actions. The most notable of these occurrences was during the last couple of months of my senior year. All the underclassmen received an email, from the director of hockey at my school, saying that there would be mandatory conditioning sessions three times a week in preparation for the upcoming season. What these sessions entailed was running, running, and even more running. With it being spring term (our offseason) and the end of the school year, my teammates’ logical response was to dismiss this email as just another obligation that would be forgotten about. When I saw only a handful of kids showed up to the first session, I decided I would start going myself with the hope that more people follow me. When I began to attend, my friends started as well, and with my school having a minute number of students, a domino effect was started where large groups showed up just because their friends were there. Just recently, a friend of mine who was moved to the school’s best team for this season thanked me for “forcing” him to go running, because he thought that is what made the difference for him in tryouts. Like Captain Miller, it was my actions that were crucial in helping to achieve collective success or this case, my teammate’s success. It is this sense of gratification that stems from being a leader and contributing to a greater cause, that I wish to achieve as an officer in the US Navy.

All too often, we contemplate the “what ifs.” Sure, life in the military may not be the most orthodox, but later on in life, I don’t want to theorize what could have been of my life if only I had followed my dream.

I think you spent way too much time setting the scene and not explaining how you have the qualities that will make a great officer. I got the scholarship last year and in my essay I described the qualities leadership that I read from a self-growth book and then gave real-life examples of how I have demonstrated those qualities. The Navy isn’t looking for the best writer and doesn’t want to read a descriptive story, they want to know about you. You talked about going to the conditioning practices. That’s good. Explain how “setting the example” is a good leadership trait. I would give more examples like that and describe how it was leadership. The character limit is pretty small so you have to keep it brief and not go on and on with descriptions. My biggest tip is explain how YOU have the qualities that can someday make a great Naval officer. Don’t make it story-time, I’m sure there are a lot of people that were inspired to join the service for the same reasons. Make your essay stand out and talk about your unique leadership habits.