<p>Nice thread.</p>
<p><vent>
I personally hate all the attention. In general, I hate attention; I just want to be me and do what I want. Everyone is always congratulating me or asking if I’ve made my decision yet, which is very frustrating on some days. Which really gets me is when people ask, “Why do you want to do that?” I’m sure some other people know what I’m talking about there. Sometimes something is so strong inside that it’s unable to be described by words (or maybe I’m just bad with words).</vent></p>
<p>Some of my friends understand; some don’t. A couple of my friends are sick of people congratulating me every day. Another friend knows that I need time to think, so he verbally jumps on anyone who asks me anything about the academies (I just don’t like “talking back” at adults; he’s from a rougher background/he has an attitude). Some of my friends don’t get why I want to go into the military. Some of my friends are 110% supportive of any choice I make. Then students try to get me to go to one or another because then I’d “get to wear a funny hat” and send a photo to them. Psh.</p>
<p>I hate teachers and adults, though (not really, but). I asked certain authorities to NOT tell everyone about my getting the appointments. However, what do they do? They announce it to all the teachers, the entire school, and put it in the newspaper. This is the same group of people who brag for me and drive me up the walls. Then adults come to me to give me their opinion of where they’d go if they were me (causing more confusion). They say, “Do NOT go to USMA/USNA. Go to USNA/USMA,” with some other comment that has no real factual basis.</p>
<p>I try to avoid it and bring up something else, but teachers just keep pressing the issue. The only adult who has been of real help is my BGO. I wish I could get into contact with other USNA/USMA candidates in my area…</p>
<p>I mean, this was MY plan in the beginning. I embarked upon it all on my own, and now my parents want to show up on I-Day/R-Day with me. I keep telling them, “No. This is something I want to do alone.” Somehow I don’t think they understand. Any advice, parents?</p>
<p>I just hope the saying is true—“High school hero; West Point/Naval Academy zero.”
</p>
<p>EDIT:
I come from a family of 11 children, so I guess I’m not used to centered attention. I hate it. I want the spotlight OVER THERE, near the baby, perhaps.</p>