USAFA, my chance at excellence

[Gravity0329]

I was recently appointed to the Academy from being a prior service Airman. I had always considered USAFA as a potential college since I was young in middle school, and had it up there with my dream schools. I was on target and then COVID came and knocked everything out of balance. My home life began to be filled with turmoil, as my family had a hard time adapting to the pandemic. My parents even got separated. In this really tumultuous time of my life, I craved certainty and balance, and in walked the enlisted recruiter.

He offered me exactly what it was I desired at the time. A guaranteed job after graduating high school, no dealing with college applications, a chance to serve and set myself up at the same time. I took it, and closed out my Academy application, of which I had only filled out the PCQ. Got offered an awesome job, and took it in stride. My guaranteed way out was secured. But throughout Basic, Tech School, and my job, I felt like I was capable of more.

I am forever thankful that the Air Force offers such a great opportunity to its enlisted in allowing them to apply to the Academy. I feel like this is my chance at challenging myself like never before. To be surrounded by people who will lift me up academically, discipline-wise, athletically, and spiritually. I am so fortunate at this chance, and if you are an appointee, please also realize what is is you're getting here. The opportunity to go to a SA is like nothing else in my eyes. I am ready for the challenge, even though it is going to be difficult in hundreds of ways. To other appointees, I hope you're ready to undertake the challenge with me!

 

[lexie74]

Best of luck to you Gravity!! Go USAFA!

 

[A-Train]

Congratulations to you. Great story of perseverance and following your "north star."

 

[Tigers2023]

Enlisting in the AF is a great step for many. Getting a USAFA appointment is rare, and it’s awesome you got it! As a previous Squadron Commander in the AF, one of my favorite things was informing a young airman of an appointment. Doesn’t happen often, great job!!!

 

[shiner]

Best of luck as you enter the next chapter in your story. I think your experiences up to this point have given you the precious gift of perspective. Struggle along the way has hardened your desire for success and it will fuel you. Congrats!

 

[justsomecadet]

To be surrounded by people who will lift me up academically, discipline-wise, athletically, and spiritually

The people you describe are not all cadets. Even here, there are people who are happy with the bare minimum, which, you will find, is a low bar. If you want to be excellent, seek out people who bring out the excellence in you. USAFA will not provide those people automatically

 

[USMA2026Cadet]

This is awesome- best of luck from USMA!

 

[Jetbill]

This is Truly an inspiring story! And even though I obviously don't know you personally, I am incredibly Proud of you just hearing it! In the face of adversity and downturns in life, where so many others crumble, you have taken charge of your destiny. Still at a young enough age, your future is bright, and undoubtedly you will do better at the Academy now, than you even would have coming out of HS. Your enlisted experiences, and independence just about guarantee that! Which is certainly what the admissions people at the Academy have seen in you as well!
My Son just received appointment to USAFA c/o 2027 after 2 previous failed attempts. And he just worked harder and harder, and now tells me that he's happy it's turned out this way. He's also received appointment to USMA West Point, and still deciding which appointment to pursue. I'm hoping it's USAFA, as that was his 'original dream' early on , but either way, he is gonna do very well.
I very much hope that he gets to meet you, if he's in Colorado Springs this June!
Bill