<p>This is for all the 2012 candidates. You have worked long and hard to become the best candidates possible. In the coming weeks the appointments will be presented, and the moment of real decision will occur. What does it mean to accept that appointment? </p>
<p>For many it will be the beginning of a dream. You will face challenges that you could never imagine. All the work you did getting in will look like childs play. You will face days that are horrible, and bond with new friends you could not have imagined. You will be expected to give your all everyday .if you falter your upperclassmen will remind you of your short comings. </p>
<p>Be ready for this. Prepare yourself. You will probably not be an A student anymore, or the Captain of the football team. Do not let that make you Cynical. You will become a special project every now and then. </p>
<p>Some of you will not make it all the way through. I learned of another classmate of my daughters leaving early yesterday. You are making an adult decision, and it carries adult responsibilities. It made me very sad to learn about this, and knowing about some of the others who didnt finish the race. Some got hurt, others got tired, and some have had trouble with the system. </p>
<p>The Academy is a beautiful place. I grew up at its footsteps, but only those who have lived inside can really understand that what life inside is really like. Summer Seminar and Ac visits give you a look, but that is all.</p>
<p>Excellent post ds52262. There are some that see the academy only from the great academic perspective. There's some that see the military in general from the travel, benefits, etc... perspectives. The academy/military is NOT a job, school, etc... It's a WAY OF LIFE. Whether you stay just the 4 years of school and 5 years of active duty; or you stay 20 years and retire; your life will most definitely have changed. (In my opinion, for the best).</p>
<p>When you start you academy/military career, try and keep in mind the bigger picture. Realize that there is a "Reason for all that rhymes" and a "Time for every purpose under heaven". In other words; no matter how hard it seems at times; and how down you might get; more than 50,000 have gone before you. There is a reason for everything that is asked of you or directed towards you. There have been millions who have honorably served their country before you.</p>
<p>The military is a "family". The first day I entered Basic Training was definitely a different frame of thought from the day I retired 20 years later. But I would never change a thing and never regret that choice I made at 17 years old.</p>
<p>Good luck to all of you. Keep in mind the concept of "Team Work". You can't make it on your own. It's not possible. The better you can work as a team, the more successful and rewarding your experiences there will be.</p>
<p>In my time here, I have NEVER regretted coming, not once. This place is what you make of it, and it is a family who cares for you.</p>
<p>I have made the BEST friends of my life. Never have I been able to trust and enjoy the company of people like I have here. These are friends I will never lose contact with and fully expect to see in years to come in the Air Force.</p>
<p>I have probably faced more challenges here than I have in my life. Anything from swimming, to jumping out of planes, to leading peers like I never expected. And I firmly believe I have become a better person for it and learned a lot about myself along the way.</p>
<p>I'm only about 40% of the way through the academy, but I can't see myself anywhere else. USAFA is my home.</p>