Why do people attend the Academy?

If commissioning is the primary goal then SA's may not be as attractive. But the opportunities to completely immerse yourself in the program for 47 months and take advantage of the fringe benefits are what truly set the SAs apart.

The best summer internships, AIAD, foreign immersion, etc etc are easier to access IMHO as a SA cadet vs ROTC.

Also of course USAFA's extracurricular airmanship programs cannot be beat if flight is your dream.

But yes - you will all be 2LTs regardless of how you get there.
 
I realize its not a popular opinion here but there are different opinions on this topic. I heard of quite a few cadets who in hindsight reflected they would have been better in AFROTC in their flagship state school as it would lead to more normal life as a student, and no less opportunities after graduation.
 
As mentioned, if being a pilot is definitely one of your intents, then the academy is the better choice. Not saying you can't get a pilot slot via ROTC; you can. But getting to ROTC has a lot of caveats. For instance; getting an ROTC scholarship wanting to major in Behavioral Science or History is harder than wanting to major in an engineering type degree. Getting a pilot slot in ROTC with certain degree majors also is a factor. At the academy, your major has absolutely no impact on you getting a pilot slot. Basically; at the academy; if you graduate and are qualified, then a pilot slot is pretty much guaranteed. The academy usually can't fill all their pilot slots and many get released to ROTC. So for those wanting to be a pilot, the academy is a MUCH EASIER route.

If you're also highly motivated academically, then the academy may also be a better choice. On average; approximately 10% of the graduating class at the academy is accepted to go directly to Grad School. Their AFSC training; e.g. pilot, etc. is put on hold and you're allowed to go to grad school FULL TIME; immediately out of the academy. Grad school directly out of ROTC is not as easy. My son had his pilot slot, it was held for him, he went directly to grad school out of the academy. Year and a half later, he had his masters. Another year and a half after that, he had his Doctorate's / PhD degree completed. And his pilot slot was still waiting for him.

Of course, many of the other benefits were already mentioned. e.g. complete immersion into the military lifestyle. I.e. The academy is 24/7 similar to active duty. ROTC is part time; similar to the guard or reserves. NOT SAYING either is worse. Simply stating that one is a "Full Time" military environment and the other isn't. And as mentioned, there are a lot of immersion opportunities at active bases, foreign countries, and many other benefits at the academy.

In the end, it's all about what you want. There are pros and cons to BOTH ROTC and the Academy. But as mentioned, once you graduate and go on active duty, you will be a 2LT. Whether you came from ROTC or the Academy might mean something initially, but considering every 2LT graduate goes on to additional training for their AFSC, once that training starts, and definitely by the time that training is completed and you're on your way to your first REAL MILITARY ASSIGNMENT, it won't matter at all whether you were in ROTC or at the academy.

I will say that in the "OLD DAYS", when I was in the air force, as enlisted, there was a much higher initial respect (And Expectation) for a new Academy Grad compared to an ROTC officer. Mainly because the Academy grad had the same "FULL TIME ACTIVE DUTY" mentality as the enlisted and the active duty they were now in. However; usually within a few weeks or months, the "INDIVIDUAL" proved themselves. They were either a good officer willing to learn or they were an A$$. They were then treated accordingly. It didn't matter if they were an academy grad or ROTC. Usually the more SENIOR OFFICERS orientate the new officers pretty well. I.e. While a 22-24 year old 2LT may officially "OUT RANK" an E7-E9 with 20 years in the military, that 2LT would be very foolish to think they should "Pull Rank" on that E7-E9 when it comes to getting the job done. The enlisted will politely say "Yes sir; Yes sir; 3 bags full". And in public, the commander will support the 2LT. But in private, the commander will have a VERY SERIOUS TALK with that 2LT. Fortunately, this isn't usually a major problem. Most Academy and ROTC grads adapt quite well.

So, figure out what type of education and military training you want to receive; and apply accordingly. There's reasons why we have both academies and ROTC. You hear about "Diversity" all the time in the academy and military. This is simply another form of diversity. The military wouldn't be as good as they are if ALL the officers were academy grads or ALL were ROTC commissioned.
 
Daretodream said:
Humey - there are a lot of respected schools and paths to becoming an officer. The question was why do people want to go to SAs. I gave the answer my DS gave me and my wife when he started considering USAFA. I replied to make the point that the reason for wanting to go often changes once you are there.
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If I sounded like I was being negative or argumentative, then I apologize. I just wanted to make it know that you could accomplish the same at a civilian college. If your point was there are a lot of respected schools and paths to getting there, I misunderstood your whole point and well do i look dumb::(
 
My DS is at the academy. He'll echo all of the comments made thus far. Opportunities at the academy are vast, no doubt. My DS is embracing the "suck" and he's thoroughly enjoying the academy experience. He fits the mole.
I'll play devil's advocate and give my perspective as a ROTC guy. I'm from old school but the experiences haven't changed a whole lot except that things have gotten a bit lax, for better or worse.
AFROTC was a perfect fit for a guy like myself -- Mr. Casual.:confused: I wanted the least amount of military exposure for maximum amount of return, if that makes any sense. Once a week of harassment, push ups, and military discipline was all that I was good for.:D With the exception of few extra days here and there, I was free from playing cadet 6 days out of the week. The only draw back that I saw in ROTC was the odds of getting a pilot slot. As stated earlier, you have a better shot at a SUPT slot at the academy, if that's what you want. With the current pilot shortage though, the odds are in your favor for both SA and ROTC cadets.
At the academy, if you can keep your nose clean and keep your grades up, you will receive your commission and most likely get an assignment of your choice. In AFROTC, not everyone will get selected (get a slot) to move onto the last 2 years. Timing and needs of the service are more critical for ROTC cadets than SA cadets. If you have the will and the discipline, you will succeed no matter what.
If you want to be completely immersed in the "military experience " and be exposed to some of the best opportunities (travel and exclusivity), the SA is for you. If you want a normal college experience, then ROTC is the right choice. For me, ROTC fit the bill. With the money I saved up, I got my PPL, an instrument rating, and even got checked out in an aerobatic program. Contrary to popular belief, the academy does not better prepare you for active duty nor does it make you a better candidate for your career field (i.e. Pilot, engineer, mx officer, etc). Everyone is at equal plains when you pin on those butter bars.
Though AFROTC doesn't offer as much "exclusive" opportunities as the academy, there are some good deals. For example, you can opt to go to jump school, spend a couple of weeks in the summer, between your junior and senior year, on mentoring programs (I got a few rides in AT-38s during a 2 week get away, compliments of Uncle Sam), shoot small arms & M16s, etc., so the opportunities are there if you so desire.
Whichever path you choose, be absolutely certain that it is the path you wish to take and do not let others dictate how you choose. More importantly, never look back and most definitely, never ever give up!
 
I am about 8 days late on this post...but it's been a while since I've interacted on this site (I was a freshman at that time asking the same questions...).

I graduated just last May, Class of 2017. As a new 2nd LT, I can say...truly and honestly, that the Academy prepared me for a very well and balanced(ish) life outside of it. I am currently stationed in Ellsworth AFB, SD...which was NO WHERE in my dream sheet. I was bummed, cried...got over it...and I am here, enjoying the beautiful Rapid City and all that comes with this place.

As a cadet, I wasn't the best...but I also wasn't the worst. There were trying times for me...I had been put on Academic probation for a couple of mid-semesters and also was on Honor Probation for 6 months. And with that, I learned the absolute lesson of character and integrity (buzzword...sorry). It's real. They try to shape you to become an officer because you are expected to be the bigger person in ANY situation you are thrown in...including being a fresh 2nd LT. I came to USAFA because I got recruited for a sport and I wanted to "do something challenging and different". Those words still hold true today. I did want to do something different, and this is definitely something very different. But it created a more mature version of myself at my age...I'm 22 and I am currently a supervisor for 36+ airmen here. I've learned critical thinking skills, how to handle conflicts and situations I never would want to put myself in, and I've also met the absolute BEST friends of my life..who are now going to be pilots :))))

You're going to be put in very uncomfortable situations...you have to know what to do about it. You'll meet your future bffs...and also your ex-bffs. People leave and grow apart...but you'll know who your true friends are. Explore outside of your comfort zone...I didn't and I wish I had done more outside of my comfort zone...which was my sport and my room (lol). School is going to suck, especially the first two years...sophomore year is academically the hardest. Be prepared, don't put yourself in a position which might get you in trouble. I did...and I lost a lot because of something that I had absolute control of...I just took the easy way out. Theres a lot of cheating scandals/rings that happen at the Academy...don't get sucked into that. Enjoy USAFA and all it has to offer...take advantage of it! Because I wouldn't be where I am (leading 36+ airmen the first day I reported in hahahaha). I never asked questions in high school, but you have to at the Academy and even out here in the Operational AF...it gets you far. You HAVE to be proactive.

The biggest thing I realized was that this place really helps with your grit. Here is me...high school athlete, getting things I asked from my parents, not having to worry about my self...just me and my sport. Now, here is C1C Me. Having gone through probations, balancing play and work (time management is your friend or your enemy...up to you to determine that), lots of downs more than ups, looking up at the stands during graduation. I wish I could replay that day...because you go through so much with the 1000+ classmates. We all go through the same thing...each handled differently, but our goal is the same.

Be advised...you need to be the one that wants to come here...I was 50/50 but I stuck with it because the goal was to graduate (and I did). No parent, teacher, sister, brother, family member will truly know if you want to come here or not. Only you...of course, it's worth the gruesome 4 years.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or message me. USAFA and I...we have a love/hate relationship. I do miss it though...the people at least ;). It was the best decision I've ever made for my life. But first, enjoy high school...you have to grow up a lot faster as an Academy cadet than you do as a civilian in college.
 
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hiiperson11 said:
I am about 8 days late on this post...but it's been a while since I've interacted on this site (I was a freshman at that time asking the same questions...).

I graduated just last May, Class of 2017. As a new 2nd LT, I can say...truly and honestly, that the Academy prepared me for a very well and balanced(ish) life outside of it. I am currently stationed in Ellsworth AFB, SD...which was NO WHERE in my dream sheet. I was bummed, cried...got over it...and I am here, enjoying the beautiful Rapid City and all that comes with this place.

As a cadet, I wasn't the best...but I also wasn't the worst. There were trying times for me...I had been put on Academic probation for a couple of mid-semesters and also was on Honor Probation for 6 months. And with that, I learned the absolute lesson of character and integrity (buzzword...sorry). It's real. They try to shape you to become an officer because you are expected to be the bigger person in ANY situation you are thrown in...including being a fresh 2nd LT. I came to USAFA because I got recruited for a sport and I wanted to "do something challenging and different". Those words still hold true today. I did want to do something different, and this is definitely something very different. But it created a more mature version of myself at my age...I'm 22 and I am currently a supervisor for 36+ airmen here. I've learned critical thinking skills, how to handle conflicts and situations I never would want to put myself in, and I've also met the absolute BEST friends of my life..who are now going to be pilots :))))

You're going to be put in very uncomfortable situations...you have to know what to do about it. You'll meet your future bffs...and also your ex-bffs. People leave and grow apart...but you'll know who your true friends are. Explore outside of your comfort zone...I didn't and I wish I had done more outside of my comfort zone...which was my sport and my room (lol). School is going to suck, especially the first two years...sophomore year is academically the hardest. Be prepared, don't put yourself in a position which might get you in trouble. I did...and I lost a lot because of something that I had absolute control of...I just took the easy way out. Theres a lot of cheating scandals/rings that happen at the Academy...don't get sucked into that. Enjoy USAFA and all it has to offer...take advantage of it! Because I wouldn't be where I am (leading 36+ airmen the first day I reported in hahahaha). I never asked questions in high school, but you have to at the Academy and even out here in the Operational AF...it gets you far. You HAVE to be proactive.

Be advised...you need to be the one that wants to come here...I was 50/50 but I stuck with it because the goal was to graduate (and I did). No parent, teacher, sister, brother, family member will truly know if you want to come here or not. Only you...of course, it's worth the gruesome 4 years.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or message me. USAFA and I...we have a love/hate relationship. I do miss it though...the people at least ;). Enjoy high school...you have to grow up a lot faster as an Academy cadet than you do as a civilian in college.
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Great post!!!! I suspect applicable for all the service Academies.
 
The main reason I wanted to go through USAFA is the financial factor. I literally got paid to go to college and a guaranteed job afterwards. That was enough to get me signed up and push through four years. In basic and my four-degree year, the upperclassmen told me that your reasons for going through the Academy will start to change as you go through and that my initial financial reason for attending will not get me through the four years at the school. They were completely wrong. My reason stayed the same throughout my four years and never changed. It was not the most enjoyable four years of my life, but I made it. Your reasons for starting and continuing does not need to change. If you really wanted to go through it, then you will find some way and reason(s) to start and finish it.

So what made it a bad experience? Well, there are probably 100 times more things you can get in trouble for than you can in a civilian university. That means you are 100 times more likely to get caught if you decide to break one of these rules and get repercussions for it. There are day-to-day tasks you will have to do that seemingly does not make any sense, but you still have to do it. It is the military after all; you have to do as you are told. Your class schedule is more packed than the average college student. You will be taking a minimum of five classes per semester. I only took five classes in my very first semester, the rest of my semesters there were at least six classes. Your Thanksgiving, winter, and summer breaks are shorter. While your civilian college friends get about three to four months off for the summer, you get three weeks. When you go on Facebook, you see them partying and seemingly having the time of their lives, and you are in your dorm room either studying or stuck there because you are restricted for whatever reason.

Like anything, take advice and knowledge from people with a grain of salt. Everybody is different and have unique experiences. I was told by my ALO that it was going to be hard and I thought it really couldn't be that rough, but it was. It being a sucky experience is the G-rated version of what I have to say.
 
hiiperson11 said:
I am about 8 days late on this post...but it's been a while since I've interacted on this site (I was a freshman at that time asking the same questions...).

I graduated just last May, Class of 2017. As a new 2nd LT, I can say...truly and honestly, that the Academy prepared me for a very well and balanced(ish) life outside of it. I am currently stationed in Ellsworth AFB, SD...which was NO WHERE in my dream sheet. I was bummed, cried...got over it...and I am here, enjoying the beautiful Rapid City and all that comes with this place.

As a cadet, I wasn't the best...but I also wasn't the worst. There were trying times for me...I had been put on Academic probation for a couple of mid-semesters and also was on Honor Probation for 6 months. And with that, I learned the absolute lesson of character and integrity (buzzword...sorry). It's real. They try to shape you to become an officer because you are expected to be the bigger person in ANY situation you are thrown in...including being a fresh 2nd LT. I came to USAFA because I got recruited for a sport and I wanted to "do something challenging and different". Those words still hold true today. I did want to do something different, and this is definitely something very different. But it created a more mature version of myself at my age...I'm 22 and I am currently a supervisor for 36+ airmen here. I've learned critical thinking skills, how to handle conflicts and situations I never would want to put myself in, and I've also met the absolute BEST friends of my life..who are now going to be pilots :))))

You're going to be put in very uncomfortable situations...you have to know what to do about it. You'll meet your future bffs...and also your ex-bffs. People leave and grow apart...but you'll know who your true friends are. Explore outside of your comfort zone...I didn't and I wish I had done more outside of my comfort zone...which was my sport and my room (lol). School is going to suck, especially the first two years...sophomore year is academically the hardest. Be prepared, don't put yourself in a position which might get you in trouble. I did...and I lost a lot because of something that I had absolute control of...I just took the easy way out. Theres a lot of cheating scandals/rings that happen at the Academy...don't get sucked into that. Enjoy USAFA and all it has to offer...take advantage of it! Because I wouldn't be where I am (leading 36+ airmen the first day I reported in hahahaha). I never asked questions in high school, but you have to at the Academy and even out here in the Operational AF...it gets you far. You HAVE to be proactive.

The biggest thing I realized was that this place really helps with your grit. Here is me...high school athlete, getting things I asked from my parents, not having to worry about my self...just me and my sport. Now, here is C1C Me. Having gone through probations, balancing play and work (time management is your friend or your enemy...up to you to determine that), lots of downs more than ups, looking up at the stands during graduation. I wish I could replay that day...because you go through so much with the 1000+ classmates. We all go through the same thing...each handled differently, but our goal is the same.

Be advised...you need to be the one that wants to come here...I was 50/50 but I stuck with it because the goal was to graduate (and I did). No parent, teacher, sister, brother, family member will truly know if you want to come here or not. Only you...of course, it's worth the gruesome 4 years.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or message me. USAFA and I...we have a love/hate relationship. I do miss it though...the people at least ;). It was the best decision I've ever made for my life. But first, enjoy high school...you have to grow up a lot faster as an Academy cadet than you do as a civilian in college.
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LT...that's a superb post!!

Welcome to the fight!!

Steve
(an old colonel)
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
OP,

I hate to be back on here (not really). But I was a very very average high school student and even cadet...the only thing I knew how to do and did well was my sport (except the numerous injuries). I definitely felt intimidated by those that got an appointment because of their criteria...mine was nothing special. I was definitely bad at time management at first and like I stated previously I was on honor probation and academic probation (at the same time at one point). I had no college experience coming in, no military experience whatsoever. While I was a cadet, it was a grind absolutely. Cynicism is an awful disease on the hill, and it is unfortunate that it is there. Heck, I had it at one point...I couldn't leave the base at all because I was on honor probation...let alone wear civvies. But I told myself during my probation that I would make the best out of the extremely sucky situation. And I did my time and felt proud to finally be off of it after 6 months.

Take what you hear with a grain of salt...those that have told you that it's not worth it either 1. went because they were told to go and got persuaded 2. left the academy for whatever reason 3. doesn't really notice the good that the academy is doing for them everyday or 4. just a cynical person in general. Like I said, it's a grind. You're almost always getting the short hand on something, whether it's getting a sh*tty group for a project, not getting the job you wanted, or heck...having to park your car ALL the way in Vandy while you live in Sijan. That's cadet life...it's hard, it sucks and we complain a whole lot about a lot of stuff. But ya know what, we deal with it or we make it better...or we even try to have a positive attitude about it! Whether it's standing in the cold rain during a mando football game or trying to crutch your way down to the gym because you sprained your ankle walking to class in those dang blues shoes (this is a true story for me), it's always a good and probably hilarious story to look back at.

Transitioning from a civilian college will be tough I'm sure, less freedom the first year or two and you have to do things that you don't want to do. Rigid schedule, having a leadership position (I don't know about how you are as a leader but I sucked and that ultimately led to a lot of "you're fired" statements from my commanders), and definitely feeling like you can never breathe. But I promise it get's better. Sucks for sure, but it is what it is and sometimes you just have to shut up and color.

BESIDES all the stuff you constantly hear cadets complain about, we all knew that it came with the deal. But we all knew that it came with even better outcome which as I said before, is the ultimate Academy goal - commission as an Officer in the Worlds Greatest Air Force! I'll admit, I came because of my sport and the fact that you don't have to pay to go there (money wise...you gotta pay your time back). But as said by many others, priorities changed and I focused less on my sport and more on my growth and development because I was quite the naïve and immature high schooler that only cared about boys and making sure I get to practice on time. I truly loved and disliked my time there...academics are challenging, athletics is time consuming and military can be a drag but I can't imagine where I would be without my squadmates and teammates - they help achieve your goals even when you don't even know it. I can name what I did during my time there, but I won't because I've yet posted a very long comment and I don't know how many people really read this haha. Most are parents and grads...some cadets...some high schoolers.

I don't sugar coat anything, just ask my dad (who is currently lurking around this website HI DAD lol) and you're going to meet people that do. I hate when I hear bs from people that do not even know what it's like for 4 years there. Especially to those that are helping with the application process because they're somewhat setting up the applicant for high expectations of it being grand...I had 0 expectations lol, I honestly just entered BCT knowing I'd be getting yelled at. But wow, is it an absolute blessing looking back at what the Academy does to you if you truly make it a good time there. I didn't have much school pride there, because I was a complainer and would just get sucked up on all the cadet nonsense. But now I do, and I'm sure any grad can say that they are absolutely proud to have graduated from USAFA. It's always that 'aha' moment post Academy life that you realize "wow, honestly, USAFA was not bad...it sucked a whole lot but I'm extremely well off compared to my highschool/college friends. And I'm proud of myself that I worked my booty off to get where I am today!" It's no walk in the park, let alone rainbows and sunshine. More rain than shine, but like I said before...we enjoy the little things that make us happy as cadets (seriously, last year on the last week of school during lunch the speakers starting playing "I want it that way" by the Backstreet Boys and 4000+ of us were singing it...it made me want to tear up even if a song brightens up our day). The prize is more rewarding when you know you worked extra hard for it.

Sorry for the long post again!
 
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My sons had two goals (ten years ago!) as they applied to colleges: they wanted to go to college together, and they wanted to go FREE - totally FREE.

Talked to both sons this weekend (one deployed, one at his home for a couple weeks) and surprisingly, both reiterated they could not even imagine going to college anywhere else.

Since those days as high school aged seniors, there are, in retrospect, other reasons they went to USAFA: both will say they met the greatest people in the whole world there (even their USMA & USNA friends at USAFA for a semester or two), they traveled the world, they got rides in fighter jets, bombers, and went to Hawaii (free!) with their squadron buddies. Their academics were so intense, so complete that in graduate school (at big name schools), they've got same textbooks, covering similar ground that they covered as juniors and seniors at USAFA.

Were there things they didn't like? You betcha. The thing they both complain about still was the Dec 4th Sunday night football game where the high was 8* that day and it was far below that at 6 pm kickoff (well, it was dark, I'm not sure of the time). It was C.O.L.D. Were there academic issues? yep. Social issues? Sure. Adjustment issues? Of course. They didn't like the food at Mitch's. Shocking, I know. (and a pat on the back for Mom :) ) They were occasionally homesick, and when home, occasionally bored.

A real adjustment was the first Christmas break home when they met up with all their home friends, many also home from college, or in the midst of senioritis in high school. My boys' experience was so different from their friends' that they felt out of place, out of their element. Now, that was tough.

Currently deployed son still sees lots of kids from his squad and from his brother's at his current base. He said every other day he'll see Bob or John or Mary or Sue and they grab a burger and catch up.

Incredibly, he also has befriended many of the men and women from our local Air-Reservist base, and they talk Steeler football, Penguins Hockey, Pierogies, and the like.

Would they decide on USAFA again, now nine years out? Yep. No question.
 
hiiperson11 said:
I am about 8 days late on this post...but it's been a while since I've interacted on this site (I was a freshman at that time asking the same questions...).

I graduated just last May, Class of 2017. As a new 2nd LT, I can say...truly and honestly, that the Academy prepared me for a very well and balanced(ish) life outside of it. I am currently stationed in Ellsworth AFB, SD...which was NO WHERE in my dream sheet. I was bummed, cried...got over it...and I am here, enjoying the beautiful Rapid City and all that comes with this place.

As a cadet, I wasn't the best...but I also wasn't the worst. There were trying times for me...I had been put on Academic probation for a couple of mid-semesters and also was on Honor Probation for 6 months. And with that, I learned the absolute lesson of character and integrity (buzzword...sorry). It's real. They try to shape you to become an officer because you are expected to be the bigger person in ANY situation you are thrown in...including being a fresh 2nd LT. I came to USAFA because I got recruited for a sport and I wanted to "do something challenging and different". Those words still hold true today. I did want to do something different, and this is definitely something very different. But it created a more mature version of myself at my age...I'm 22 and I am currently a supervisor for 36+ airmen here. I've learned critical thinking skills, how to handle conflicts and situations I never would want to put myself in, and I've also met the absolute BEST friends of my life..who are now going to be pilots :))))

You're going to be put in very uncomfortable situations...you have to know what to do about it. You'll meet your future bffs...and also your ex-bffs. People leave and grow apart...but you'll know who your true friends are. Explore outside of your comfort zone...I didn't and I wish I had done more outside of my comfort zone...which was my sport and my room (lol). School is going to suck, especially the first two years...sophomore year is academically the hardest. Be prepared, don't put yourself in a position which might get you in trouble. I did...and I lost a lot because of something that I had absolute control of...I just took the easy way out. Theres a lot of cheating scandals/rings that happen at the Academy...don't get sucked into that. Enjoy USAFA and all it has to offer...take advantage of it! Because I wouldn't be where I am (leading 36+ airmen the first day I reported in hahahaha). I never asked questions in high school, but you have to at the Academy and even out here in the Operational AF...it gets you far. You HAVE to be proactive.

The biggest thing I realized was that this place really helps with your grit. Here is me...high school athlete, getting things I asked from my parents, not having to worry about my self...just me and my sport. Now, here is C1C Me. Having gone through probations, balancing play and work (time management is your friend or your enemy...up to you to determine that), lots of downs more than ups, looking up at the stands during graduation. I wish I could replay that day...because you go through so much with the 1000+ classmates. We all go through the same thing...each handled differently, but our goal is the same.

Be advised...you need to be the one that wants to come here...I was 50/50 but I stuck with it because the goal was to graduate (and I did). No parent, teacher, sister, brother, family member will truly know if you want to come here or not. Only you...of course, it's worth the gruesome 4 years.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or message me. USAFA and I...we have a love/hate relationship. I do miss it though...the people at least ;). It was the best decision I've ever made for my life. But first, enjoy high school...you have to grow up a lot faster as an Academy cadet than you do as a civilian in college.
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Welcome to South Dakota! I live in Custer. I hope you'll get a chance to enjoy the many beautiful hiking trails in the Black Hills this fall. Also, if anyone ever offers to take you snowmobiling, take them up on it. I had never been snowmobiling until we had a search and rescue training about using them. I just love it now. It makes me feel so alive when we get off trail and have fun in the powder.

If you're ever in Custer, let me treat you to a burger at the Black Hills Burger and Bun.
 
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