<p>my son didn’t realize that he was destined for USNA until a college fair during his junior year of hs. we always recognized his capacity for math and science as well as his desire for structure. something awoke in him after he visited all the engineering school tables and the 2 service academy tables at the college fair.<br>
he then pursued his appointment to USNA to the exclusion of all else. fortunately for him, he received an LOA, 2 nominations, and ultimately his appointment.
we had quite a scare when on the night of his hs graduation at the senior celebration, he broke a bone in his foot. this was only 6 weeks prior to I-Day. the doctors’ prognosis included 8 weeks until full recovery. that would be 8 weeks lost of physical preparation for plebe summer. our hearts sunk as we pondered the possibility that the Academy would not let him report on I-Day and would delay him until next year. what would he do for a whole year while waiting? he didn’t have a plan “B”. he hadn’t even applied to any civilian colleges. we waited with great trembling for word from medical. he reported for I-Day and at the end of the day after processing, we were told that he could stay. he was put on chit for 2 weeks and had pool pt. he was never so glad to be able to run when medical cleared him for the remainder of plebe summer.
the foot healed just fine, he endured a hip injury a little later in plebe summer as well as a bout with bronchitis. i’m glad to report that since the academic year began, he has been injury free, off chit, and experiencing relative success in PE and academics.</p>