I'd like to share some thoughts I had with candidates and appointees. I think it's appropriate as we are winding down on the selection process.
One of the greatest gifts a child could give a parent is to be a better person then we are. You are brighter, faster, and stronger then we are. You are morally better, with a greater sence of compassion and empathy then we possess. Every time we witness you accomplish life challenges better then we can, our level of pride for you is unequalled. You have already done this, appointed or not.
I was speaking to my Daughter last night about her plans if she did not get an appointment to the Naval Academy and she taught me a lesson when she said, "I want nothing more right now then to attend the Naval Academy, but I would hope that 4 years spent at a University would not define who I am for the rest of my life. I would like to think I have more to offer".
Like I said Parents. They are smarter then we are and you should all be very proud. Now if we could only get them to clean their room! It's a disaster!
One of the greatest gifts a child could give a parent is to be a better person then we are. You are brighter, faster, and stronger then we are. You are morally better, with a greater sence of compassion and empathy then we possess. Every time we witness you accomplish life challenges better then we can, our level of pride for you is unequalled. You have already done this, appointed or not.
I was speaking to my Daughter last night about her plans if she did not get an appointment to the Naval Academy and she taught me a lesson when she said, "I want nothing more right now then to attend the Naval Academy, but I would hope that 4 years spent at a University would not define who I am for the rest of my life. I would like to think I have more to offer".
Like I said Parents. They are smarter then we are and you should all be very proud. Now if we could only get them to clean their room! It's a disaster!