<p>Which do you think is a better use of my winter time, holding a part-time job or playing varsity indoor track and maybe earning a varsity letter?</p>
<p>usafa21astr,</p>
<p>I would vote for varsity indoor track and maybe earning a varsity letter.</p>
<p>What did you report on your Candidate Activities Record (USAFA Form 147)? You are supposed to project all activities through your senior year. If you reported varsity track, then that's what you need to do.</p>
<p>You definitely don't want to set yourself up for an honor violation before you even get started.</p>
<p>I am actually a junior right now so I haven't sent in any application forms yet.</p>
<p>I would go for track. It will keep you fit and help your application.</p>
<p>(The forms are only "projected" activities. I would try to stick to them, but it is not an honor violation if you change your mind...that and cadets only fall under the Honor Code after they take the Honor Oath.)</p>
<p>I'll throw another thing in here. If the job is needed to pay for gas for my car, would you still recommend doing track?</p>
<p>I am trying so hard not to make a sarcastic response here, but please give some thought to your priorities. USAFA cadets can't even have cars their first two years. Maybe a willlingness to cut back on the car expenses might show a mature commitment to "Service before self". Ah well, it's been a long time since I was a teenager...sigh.</p>
<p>Well the car isn't just for frivolously driving around town whenever I want, doing what I want. I need it for many of the sports and activities that I do so that my mom can pick up my brother from his sports and activities, and not worry about how I'm getting to the activities or home from them. I see the car as a tool not just some toy that I can use whenever I want to.</p>
<p>The deal that I have with my son who is a candidate for class of 2011 is that he doesn't have a job, but he gives his all to his athletic activities and his school work and extracurriculars. In exchange, I pay for all his gas, with the understanding that he delivers his brother and sister when I need him to. Check with your mom and see if she is willing to make a deal.</p>
<p>usafa21astr, I remember having to make the same decision my junior year. Stealth_81 has some great advice, but if that doesn't fly with your mom, maybe you could try finding a weekend job. That's what I had to do. When you have weekend meets, just let your boss know in advance. It can stretch your time pretty thin, but if you manage everything well, it can work. If you have to have a car, don't sacrifice athletics. It's not worth it. Plus, running is the best. :)</p>
<p>I'd go for both, just don't work that many hours, most jobs are pretty flexible, and you'd be surprised how easy it is to squish a job into your schedule; I ran X-country and worked 10-20 hours a week, no issues since I was able to adjust my work schedule pretty well by asking for time off in advance, getting my shifts a week ahead of time (most places will do this), and having friends willing to trade shifts when needed.</p>