I’m a sophomore in high school and I’m confused on what to do. I wish to go to the Naval Academy, I have the classes in mind to accomplish this, but it’s the extracurriculars that worry me. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I got into highschool, and we moved to a farm while all of this was happening. I wasn’t able to participate in hardly anything and now I know that are very few activities/clubs that my school offers. I want to be apart of Track and Cross country, as well as get a part time job.
My question is, what, if anything, can I do to help this situation? My freshman and sophomore year I couldn’t be apart of anything.
You’re in a situation similar to my nephew. He was also living in the country with no transportation and at a small HS for the first year or two of school. He was involved in something outside of school-the Civil Air Patrol. Is there a unit near you? This was a very time-consuming activity, but it allowed him to take special summer programs at various military colleges and others during school breaks. He did end up enlisting, and because of his CAP was able to enlist at a higher rank. This should be fine even though you want to go Navy-he has friends in other branches who started in CAP with him. But I think there’s a forum JUST for the academies, so you should check there. Good luck to you.
Why can’t you be part of anything this year? School is only half over. Do not wait for school to finish before getting involved. Does your school have a late bus? If so, use it and help tutor kids after school. Look at your local library bulletin board for ideas, they always need volunteers somewhere. Go on the United way website, find volunteer jobs in your area. Help out a family in the area by working with their kids. Find online scholarships, there are thousands, and apply. There are websites that help you do that. There are a million things you can do, and it might also help you take your mind off your mom. I am sorry to hear about her, I hope she recovers. Regarding that, your counselor at school should be told about your circumstances. When it is time to apply to college, your counselor will probably note the info in the recommendation. That is important info that a college should be aware of, because it can have a big effect on you. Now get busy and find something to do, and good luck.