In prior posts I have noted that DS wants to serve as an officer in the military. While he initially preferred Navy, he was indifferent. His college list was dominated by service academies. In mid-January, West Point announced on their Facebook page that they were sending out the first 500 appointments and to be on the lookout. Since DS had received prior correspondence from WP expressing interest, he was anxious to know if his acceptance was in this batch. Knowing DS would call everyday asking if “it” had arrived, I stalked our mail carrier. On January 19th, a BFE (big fat envelope) arrived and it was clear what it was… When he called that afternoon before athletics, I played dumb, “nothing arrived today.” If you have never seen an appointment package from one of the service academies, they are like no other acceptance package. There is a letter from the Academy Superintendent and a beautiful leather bound and engraved certificate. We left the BFE unopened and immediately overnighted it to DD who then gathered faculty and classmates (after the inauguration event). Since we were still at home, we (subsequently) lived vicariously through pictures and video. Even though it was recorded, it was a special moment - kind of similar to how I felt when he was born. DS walked into a large room in the administrative building and DD handed him the BFE. As he opened the BFE, faculty and friends were cheering and applauding. He had a feeling… He muttered OMG and then jumped up and down, realizing his dream had come true. Then he motioned to his 25+ classmates for a group hug. It was an unforgettable moment. An application process that lasted well over a year, tens of essays and interviews, a rigorous fitness test, and overcoming two knee surgeries to qualify medically were finally behind him. He was not only excited, but relieved.
DS applied to two other service academies, USNA and USAFA. He didn’t receive a congressional nomination to USAFA, so he won’t be flying F22’s. USNA is still pending a decision. If he doesn’t gain an appointment to USNA, he does have a path to a career in the Navy. He was awarded a four-year NROTC scholarship which is good at any of these schools, Vanderbilt, Rice, or UC Boulder (he just needs to be accepted to one of these schools.) But with a coveted West Point appointment on the table, it’s hard to believe he will opt for NROTC. He prefers to attend a school were 100% of the students are "embracing the suck.” If USNA appoints him, then it may be a tougher decision.
He will travel to WP next week for an overnight stay and we will meet him there. Even if all goes well, he’ll probably hold out for all admission decisions. At a minimum, he needs a back up school in case he cannot attend WP due to injury, etc. But similar to BS acceptances, "love the school that loves you.” And at this point, West Point has shown the most affection.
With March 10th approaching if any prospective EHS students have questions, please do not hesitate to PM me. It’s a wonderful school with a great location. Otherwise best of luck to the BS graduating Class of 2017 in your final semester!