hi, so i'm stuck in a really hard place. Since I was in 8th grade I thought my dream was to go to the Academy and i even went to the Summer STEM last year but now that i'm about to finish up my sophomore year a lot has changed. I began to realize that there's going to be limited freedom for myself and being a military kid my whole life I always thought that college would be my time to finally live a more normal life. My end goal regardless of where i go is to commission into the Navy to do engineering or naval architecture. My dad is all for me going to the academy and has a lot of connections to the academy. even after i brought up that I maybe wanted to start looking for ROTC scholarships instead he is persistent on me going to USNA and is still going to have me go to summer seminar and go through the whole application process. I've been kind of leaning towards NROTC at a regular college and get to experience somewhat of a normal life, but still a part of me wants the academy for the sake of my parents and because I want to know that i'm strong enough to go through it all for four years idk its kind of really hard to explain why I want to prove myself. I know either way ill get my end goal but i also want to live life, life is a journey and i want to take it all in. I know that i still have some time but thinking about what i'm going to do keeps me up at night and sometimes they're tear filled or just tossing and turning. Idk what i really want anymore, i just want to make my parents proud but also be happy with my life and choice. i've been reading a lot on here lately and some people say that they wish they chose ROTC instead of the academy but others say that the Academy is the best choice they've made
First things first: relax!! Give yourself some grace. You do not have to make this choice now. You have (potentially) almost two years to hit accept on either options, should you be so fortunate to recieve either offer....ROTC scholarship or SA.
My mom advice, is to go for both. It’s relatively easy to parallel apply. It’s also prudent to apply for both as there is no guarantee of either offer (even if your dad is connected, if that’s what you meant). IF you have both offers, THEN you toss and turn, with seeing what to do.
In the meantime, your preparation is the same for both options. And that’s what you focus on now. Developing leadership. Academics. Physical fitness. It’s not for another another year that you apply. Focus on strengthening your package.
Your points are very valid. There are benefits to either route. There are people graduating usna that wish they had gone the NROTC route. It’s all a commission!
I would advise to delve into each lifestyle as much as possible once things “open up”. Do an overnight visit at usna if possible. I also know our state U NROTC unit provides a “shadow a mid” type program.
As far as your parents go, that’s a tough one. But ultimately it’s youR decision to make, should you receive offers of both. Neither is a given. It’s a TOUGH competition. But putting in thought, effort, research...I personally as a mom would be very proud that my child has thought it through So much!! How can one argue with that?
Cannot emphasize enough, though, that until you have BOTH offers, you dont even have
the problem that is presently keeping you up at night. I would advise my child to apply for both, and not worrry about choosing until you actual have a choice to make.
I would also like you to know that your parents will not be disappointed in you. They may still make suggestions, perhaps even verbalize a disappointment in the choice you make, but don’t confuse that with disappointment in you as their daughter. I promise they will be proud of their daughter no matter what. Even if you choose a whole different path!!
I’m proud of you and I don’t even know you. Your parents are, too.
Adding this: it’s completely normal for your 8th grade self to think differently that your 12th grade self. It’s ok to change your mind.