Drive and Determination

Colleges and Universities A-Z Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs
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<p>Those two words to me are so profound. I have a son turning 15 and he’s in the 9th grade. He’s actively involved in the JROTC program and climbing the ranks rather quickly for a freshmen. Once the military bug bit him in the 8th grade- that was it. He started researching the military options for after graduation and became hooked on the USAFA. I asked him what is it that makes him so convinced that he is taking that route? He said so much of it is the camaraderie he feels when with the JROTC. That the activities he participates in, and learning about the military all have impacted his soul and he knows that will be his place in the world. I feel so lucky. </p>

<p>So far he has purchased many books, read and researched so much information that I find myself being a bit of pro at the whole process even though we are years early! Not that it guarantees a spot. </p>

<p>He’s in Track and Cross Country at school. JROTC- Drill, Raiders and Exhibition. For the JROTC- he is already achieving leadership roles. He is pursuing blackbelts in 4 different divisions and will earn all 4 blackbelts in May of 2010. His schedule is insane but yet he keeps his GPA at about 3.9. He takes honor classes and thrives in science and math. He’s also in the science club. </p>

<p>He is aware of the nomination process, already contacted his ALO a few months ago, and is continuing to map out his plan. </p>

<p>I just am so impressed with the drive and determination to make your dreams come true and travel down that road that leads you to places you desire most to travel. So many teenagers are lost in this world but there is this elite group of young citizens who travel down the path to be a part of something so much bigger than themselves. It is so amazing to me to see how much dedication and strength it takes to achieve these goals and how much character so many of these young men and women have. I am so honored to be the mother of one who is choosing this life.</p>

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<p>Sounds like your son would fit in well. Welcome aboard. :)</p>

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<p>Welcome to the family kas. It's going to be one hell of a trip, I can tell you that! ;) :)</p>

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<p>One other thing I noticed and I could be completely off on this but it appears as if most of the people I hear and speak to in the military, especially the college grads of the military, all seem to have known this is what they want they do for some time. A "calling" if you will. </p>

<p>Not everyone is cut out or made of the stuff it takes to go that route. So when I see him just diving in and wanting to go all the way- be the best of the best- I am pretty impressed with it myself. Naturally the fact that he is intelligent and insists on a college degree at the same time is a double plus in my book! </p>

<p>I imagine it will be quite the adventure for him!</p>

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<p>kas0912,</p>

<p>your son's drive, determination, and interest is VERY MUCH sweet music to my ears !</p>

<p>I am so proud.
Your son sounds just like... I was as a freshman in HS and JROTC was and still is my passion. So many opportunities... trips... camaraderie... learning from EXPERIENCE, the list can go on and on and on from my experiences.
Anyways, now as a senior HS student and BASIC CADET for the USAFA Academy 2012... and the Wing Commander from my JROTC det. I can tell you I have no regrets. I love teaching and leading young freshman like your son to be better citizens and future leaders for America... with the hope that with the pure facts of AF / military life I can convience them that their is no limit to what they can accomplish. </p>

<p>As a military brat... I knew since I was 8 yrs. old that the Air Force / AF Academy was my future. MAN... what a great experience it has been.</p>

<p>My advice to your son is to keep doing what he is doing... make sure that he keeps ultra focused on the AF and JROTC while also being active in HS sports and clubs. And probably the biggest advice I can share is to be HUMBLE and to look for an read about leadership. </p>

<p>As you said, I does take strength, determination, and a strong character to accomplish these goals. However, the goal always should be to do whats RIGHT... live by the AF Core Values and just PLOW PLOW PLOW (work hard) and again be HUMBLE.</p>

<p>I was just telling one of my cadets (a Junior... AFA SS app.) yesterday that if you PLOW PLOW PLOW stay focused and KNOW that you have done your absolute best to be prepared then you will be confident and you will succeed.</p>

<p>And I agree that this path is not "cut out" for everyone... in fact their are officers, Academy cadets, and NCOs that are military professionals... that are not these image of a "fantasy-like" military professional... the didn't have the calling and the AF is just a great career choice for them because of the $$, because granddad or dad was a military member, or because they just wanted to get away from home.
However, there are folks who are the fantasy officers and they always bring the " A" GAME to the fight.</p>

<p>An "up and commer and someone who is already there" should always assume that everyone else, because this is a competitive Air Force, IS GOING TO BRING THEIR "A" GAME to the table. </p>

<p>I think your son is bringing and is going to bring is "A" GAME for years to come... you have every right to be proud.</p>

<p>It is going to be a fun adventure for him.</p>

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<p>Thanks ZZZ- that was so nice to reply and give the advice! He stays pretty humble- I always remind him that an "in your face" attitude or anything along those lines is just not cool and so far, he takes my advice on a lot of things- thank God!! I am grateful for that! I am really proud of how he is turning out. I also am really excited for his future! </p>

<p>Thanks all for all your advice and support!</p>