nrotc scholarships

juniormom
Wed, 09 Nov 2005 06:52:49 +0000

Wow…I didn’t expect such a response but thanks all! The last two years of applications and holding our breath through the USNA application and nomination process along with the other schools was quite a roller coaster! This site served as an area to get information and find some support with others that understand the process as so many do not. We actually had to educate our son’s new guidance counselor.

I know my son was disappointed when he did not receive an appointment as he had been looking at USNA since he was very young. He was very mature about it, new that we were in a very competitive district and said that the Academy must know best. At the time he was strongly encouraged to reapply but has decided that there are many paths to a career in the Navy and that this one will be his. Most in our district have gotten in on the second try! He feels loyalty to his unit, loves the opportunities he has at a big university and has made so many friends in his suite (he is the only NROTC person) that he feels he is where he should be. Many of the officers are graduates of the university and NROTC and have had very successful careers and opportunities.

Now that we’re past the experience I would say that going through it was worth the pain even when the last letter came. Our son learned so much about himself during the process. How many 17 year olds interview with a Senator’s committee, travel and participate in SS and CVW and really test all their limits in an application process? What is taken away from that experience is priceless!

To those students and parents on this journey I wish you the best. Keep some notes (or a journal) of how you feel if you have the chance. It is really wild to read it the next year! Don’t let that senior year slip by too fast thinking of the next year. Parents don’t get to see midshipmen in either program very much! Best of luck and please don’t hesitate to touch base if you have any questions we might be able to answer! JM