<p>My son made the decision to follow his Army dream to Indiana University to study East Asian Languages and Culture - Chinese, minoring in Foreign Relations with an ROTC scholarship. He’ll also be attending a 2 month Russian Strategic Language and Cultures program at IU starting June 9 (3 days after HS graduation!). He returned from a week in Korea with that gut feeling and the letter from USAFA arrived today…putting him into the national pool to await an appointment.</p>
<p>Some things happen for a reason, I think! I doubt he’ll change his mind if an appointment comes through later. Being from Texas, he had two nominations, but the competition is fierce. An appointment may still come through but I’m glad he made the decision on his own.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for all your support and advice. I’m now a Hoosier Mom!</p>
<p>Congrats to your son! For ours it was also alot about his degree major...He will be studying international relations in the Scholars program at UMD. Their program sounds similiar to his, but his tailored to the political arena and will be given chances to do internships at certain embassies in DC</p>
<p>The program at IU is so outstanding and when we found out that the Army is contracting with them for foreign languages, it really was hard to pass up. Before he went to USAFA summer seminar, the visit to IU had knocked his other 8 choices off the list. </p>
<p>He's considering adding a major in International Relations, since he'll have so many of the courses satisfied with his EALC major. Sounds as if your son's program at UMD will be just as exciting.</p>
<p>This has been a very difficult few months, and my son had been agonizing over this choice. He's relieved he came to the decision on his own and then felt validated by the USAFA letter. Next problem? Convincing him that it would be really great to get his haircut BEFORE graduation!</p>
<p>I am glad our DS also made the decision before he finds out from the AFA (sen. office as of Wed. did not have notification, nor did the MOC, so we don't know yet)</p>
<p>He will never question if he went to UMD as a backup, because he selected it outright.</p>
<p>It was the same for us, the program is outstanding, they only select 60 kids a yr for that major, the scholars program has @ 400 kids total. They have their own dedicated dorms for them, and have great things they can elect to do. They have mandatory field trips, but you can select which one you want to go on.</p>
<p>The det is also great so that was the overriding factor also.</p>
<p>As far as the haircut I am with you on that one, but DS figures he's going to have to wear it short for the next 25 yrs so getting it cut doesn't look like it will happen in this house anytime soon!</p>
<p>Your sons are winners-- PERIOD! I had the pleasure of meeting B&P's son and Singapore mom I feel like I've met yours too with our conversations and I know this: Your sons will do great no matter where they go because they have awesome parents who will make sure of it!</p>
<p>I was hoping to see you all (again) someday (and meeting you singapore mom in person) but what's the most important is that your sons made their own choice and are going the path that they feel is for them. I applaud them for making a decision even before they hear from the Academy.</p>
<p>Of course I (selfishly) hope they hear from USAFA and change their minds :) .....but I congratulate you all! You are a testament to what becomes of a child when they have supportative parents and grow up knowing that they can follow whatever dream they desire.</p>
<p>So this is a hearty, heartfelt CONGRATS to both of your sons!! I've so enjoyed talking to all of you and hope you still will come around with your great advice.</p>
<p>Congrats and good luck to your son, Singmom. I am fairly certain they have a fencing club at UI - there are a couple large clubs at UND and in Indianapolis if he wants more than they have at IU's club level.</p>
<p>I am so happy for all these young people who realize the value of service to others. What terrific kids these are!</p>
<p>Singaporemom, tell Zac I'm happy for him! I'm glad he finally made a decision... it sounds like he was really stressing over it! I'm sure he'll love being a Hoosier!</p>