You are a thoughtful and articulate young man and I salute you for sharing so much detail and responding to all those who responded to your post. You clearly have a bright future ahead of you.

Continue to Aim High.
 
You are a thoughtful and articulate young man and I salute you for sharing so much detail and responding to all those who responded to your post. You clearly have a bright future ahead of you.

Continue to Aim High.

Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement!!
 
You are in a tough spot. Looks like tough love on the reverse. Your strength to succeed despite your fathers views are incredible and I believe that those on this forum believe the same. He can not and has no right to stop you. You will have Moms signature and and will be a legal adult shortly there after. Why a parent would want to limit a child's potential blows my mind and I am truly sorry. It seems more than a SA thing with him. Sometimes parents are just plain wrong. Stand strong and Proud. We are behind you.
 
I've read your explanations and they are very eloquent. With everything you said, I would like to disagree with some of the suggestions posted before me. If you think that your father could influence your mother into not signing, then get emancipated and don't wait because the process can be long depending on in which the state you live.

Are your father's religious objections enough to to pressure your mother into not signing? Would your mother change her mind to keep family's peace? Only you can truly judge the situation, but if you are unsure in the answer, then I would err on the side of caution and do what you must to ensure your future.

Good luck!
 
Ah yes, raised Seventh Day Adventist, that gives me so much more context. Same back round myself. how would you explain to those who haven't been there, that the largest part of the objection may be, that you will be working on Friday night and Saturday for the Next 4 years and then on and off for the rest of your career. They truly worry that this is a heaven or Hell issue.
 
You are in a tough spot. Looks like tough love on the reverse. Your strength to succeed despite your fathers views are incredible and I believe that those on this forum believe the same. He can not and has no right to stop you. You will have Moms signature and and will be a legal adult shortly there after. Why a parent would want to limit a child's potential blows my mind and I am truly sorry. It seems more than a SA thing with him. Sometimes parents are just plain wrong. Stand strong and Proud. We are behind you.

Again, I appreciate your support!!

It probably is more than an SA thing with him, I think it stems from a jealousy of my drive to be great. With all due respect, he just never had a drive to be somebody, and maybe seeing me work so hard makes him feel unncomfortable... idk :'(
 
I've read your explanations and they are very eloquent. With everything you said, I would like to disagree with some of the suggestions posted before me. If you think that your father could influence your mother into not signing, then get emancipated and don't wait because the process can be long depending on in which the state you live.

Are your father's religious objections enough to to pressure your mother into not signing? Would your mother change her mind to keep family's peace? Only you can truly judge the situation, but if you are unsure in the answer, then I would err on the side of caution and do what you must to ensure your future.

Good luck!

Another good point!!
My mother did promise she would sign, but personally, yes, I believe there is a chance she could change her mind. My parents share the same religion however my mom takes the views on the military much more loosely.

Ah yes, raised Seventh Day Adventist, that gives me so much more context. Same back round myself. how would you explain to those who haven't been there, that the largest part of the objection may be, that you will be working on Friday night and Saturday for the Next 4 years and then on and off for the rest of your career. They truly worry that this is a heaven or Hell issue.

Yup, it has definitely been a huge challenge. Great to know there are other people coming from where I am!! Thanks!!!
 
Again, I appreciate your support!!

It probably is more than an SA thing with him, I think it stems from a jealousy of my drive to be great. With all due respect, he just never had a drive to be somebody, and maybe seeing me work so hard makes him feel unncomfortable... idk :'(

Gosh....this is one of the toughest threads to read through.

It makes me want to leave the office and hug my DS's and DD's and remind them how special I think they are. Vanm98, you are an amazing kid and your parents ought to be proud. At least we know your mom is.

Good luck always.
 
Again, I appreciate your support!!

It probably is more than an SA thing with him, I think it stems from a jealousy of my drive to be great. With all due respect, he just never had a drive to be somebody, and maybe seeing me work so hard makes him feel unncomfortable... idk :'(
My heart breaks for you. Emancipation may be your only choice, not only SA wise, but other college decisions that you may need to make prior to your 18th Birthday. It is not around the corner. I'm sure your Dad would be pissed if he reads this stuff from other adults, but he has left you with no other choice. None of us wanted to see you make a drastic move, but it appears you have no other choice, and your Mom could turn, then you will be SOL. Best of luck and know we are behind you. Adulthood is not measured by age. You have proved to us that you are an adult. With that, comes Adult decisions and consequences. Be strong.
 
Agree with gokings...Going to hug my DS again tonight and remind him how proud we are of him. He has seen this thread and it is very upsetting to him.
 
I am sure my DS could have gone through this grueling process without us but I certainly hope that the support he has received from his family has helped to buoy him through the ups and downs. I admire your independence, persistence, and strength. Best wishes to you.
 
Thanks for your support everyone!! I'm sorry this turned out to be a sappy thread, but I have definitely gained some reinforcement and tips for my next moves. (Helping me ensure I'm not being driven solely by teenager rebelliousness...).

I look forwards to digging up this thread in 5 or so years (hopefully, active duty fighter pilot CAS), and telling you guys what I've achieved and thanking you for your support and suggestions.

I appreciate it!!
 
Thanks for your support everyone!! I'm sorry this turned out to be a sappy thread, but I have definitely gained some reinforcement and tips for my next moves. (Helping me ensure I'm not being driven solely by teenager rebelliousness...).

I look forwards to digging up this thread in 5 or so years (hopefully, active duty fighter pilot CAS), and telling you guys what I've achieved and thanking you for your support and suggestions.

I appreciate it!!
Best of luck..Wish you were coming to the USCGA..I think you and my DS would become good friends.
 
I know I am not a parent or somebody else who can provide you with helpful advice, but I just wanted to say I admire people like you a lot. USAFA needs individuals who are willing to stand up for what they know to be right regardless of what others may think or say. Your example is heartbreaking, but your attitude is inspirational to me. I hope to have the honor of serving with you one day. Good luck.
 
Your school's guidance office may be able to give you the help you need. Because it seems like you will have the same problem with any college not just a SA. They may be able to steer you to a group that could get you the legal support you need.
 
IMHO, the worse case scenario is you can reapply next year. If you do, you will have one Hell of an interesting essay!

Your level of maturity is far beyond your age. Congratulations! Now go give your mom a hug. :)
 
Vanm98,
You sound like an exceptional kid with great potential to make something of yourself and your life despite your father's lack of support. You have every reason to be very proud of your accomplishments and you will go on to do great things. Keep focused on your goals and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all works out for you.
 
Your school's guidance office may be able to give you the help you need. Because it seems like you will have the same problem with any college not just a SA. They may be able to steer you to a group that could get you the legal support you need.

I'm not sure how big of a city you live in but try calling the local bar association or Young Lawyer's Assoc and inquire about pro bono services. Seeing how you are a student with no income, chances are you would fall within the income guidelines.
 
You could also call the nearest law school. Many law students would be able to help (with oversight from an actual attorney)

I know where I live many law students will provide assistance for free to low income folks regarding evictions, car repossessions etc. The emancipated minor process would likely be interesting compared to the normal 'mundane' areas they assist.

If you end up going the legal route and are anywhere near a military base, you can find some military friendly attorneys. I speak from experience as a young cadet that someone attempted to railroad in a civil matter. The USAFA legal dept could not represent me, but they made it clear who I needed to speak with
 
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