#PROUD

[Azzurri]

As parents observing our DS go through the process of seeking entry into the USNA,
we (actually I am) are stressed & anxious, while simultaneously filled with an immense sense of pride.

The SA app process and all the steps in between have been quite the experience (from the initial app to attaining ref letters, to nomination interviews). DS does has a plan B and C, as regularly expressed by all here on the forum....

Thanks to all for sharing daily insight into the process.

 

[AF6872]

As it goes along it only gets worse for parents.

 

[ders_dad]

DS is learning to compartmentalize by not focusing too far in front of him and keep a level line. He has all his plan B, C, D applications in and he now knows that he has a legit path toward commissioning as a Navy officer via NROTC scholarship but he doesn't know where (schools he will be accepted) or how (ROTC or SA). So, he can better envision what he might be doing in 5 years but not what he will be doing or where for the next 4+. For DS, DW, me, and his sibs, this is a quandary for what to get him for Christmas this year. For his two older brothers, we bought good laptops for their senior year Christmas, as well as college spirit gear (they knew where they would be going and had already been accepted ED). For DS #3, we are hesitant to get anything college related because if he is at USNA, he won't need/use it. He said he wants nothing USNA spirit gear related (I suspect he is trying to not get his hopes up and then be disappointed). We thought just Navy related but he said no, as well. It isn't beyond the realm of possibility that he will be living in our basement next fall, going to the local state U (20 min away on a bad weather day) and being a part of its ROTC cadre. First world problems. DW, in particular, would be interested in what others would suggest for Christmas (right now, it's just an ugly sweater).

 

[navyfamilyof4]

DS is learning to compartmentalize by not focusing too far in front of him and keep a level line. He has all his plan B, C, D applications in and he now knows that he has a legit path toward commissioning as a Navy officer via NROTC scholarship but he doesn't know where (schools he will be accepted) or how (ROTC or SA). So, he can better envision what he might be doing in 5 years but not what he will be doing or where for the next 4+. For DS, DW, me, and his sibs, this is a quandary for what to get him for Christmas this year. For his two older brothers, we bought good laptops for their senior year Christmas, as well as college spirit gear (they knew where they would be going and had already been accepted ED). For DS #3, we are hesitant to get anything college related because if he is at USNA, he won't need/use it. He said he wants nothing USNA spirit gear related (I suspect he is trying to not get his hopes up and then be disappointed). We thought just Navy related but he said no, as well. It isn't beyond the realm of possibility that he will be living in our basement next fall, going to the local state U (20 min away on a bad weather day) and being a part of its ROTC cadre. First world problems. DW, in particular, would be interested in what others would suggest for Christmas (right now, it's just an ugly sweater).

exact same here. I want to get him some college "stuff" for Christmas but too much unknown. sticking with socks, skiing gear and concert tickets.

 

[OldRetSWO]

As it goes along it only gets worse for parents.

Your mileage may vary.
It was pretty level for us with regard to our son. Probably it is partially because I'm pretty familiar with the process and understood my son's qualifications
versus both the class profiles and the local level while also knowing that he had access to presidential nominations as well. Plebe summer/plebe year as well as
eventual service selection were OK as well. It is HIS life and he needs to (and does) do his best so as to keep good things happening.
Actually, my not worrying too much about him let me put my mind into my own recovery as I dealt with cancer starting in April of his plebe year and had 12
surgeries over the next 12 months on my way to beating it. And he came home on weekends (200 miles) whenever he could just to do the lawn/yardwork while I was
incapacitated.
As he has progressed in his career, he does reach out for hp on issues from time to time and I did help him line up letters of recommendation when he applied for
a very competitive grad school program (Olmstead Scholar) which he is in the middle of right now.