<p>I’m not planning on attending the USAFA, but I’ve always had a strong interest in it. The main reason (of a few) is that my parents are strongly against it- so much that they will practically disown me. </p>
<p>The other reasons (which are not so important and I wouldnt be suprised if you cared) is that I am a female. I know people say that it doesnt matter, but we all know that to some degree, whether it is fitness-ability or just fitting in, it does. My friends think it is humorous that I am even thinking about it, because I am the type of person who will not go to school if she ran out of mascara and lipgloss. BUT I love the USAF and think that what they do is utterly amazing!</p>
<p>Anyways, (back to the point) how do your parents feel about your plans to join the USAFA?</p>
<p>I've been a military child my whole life. Living in England and Germany. I love the Air Force and everything about it. The reason I love the Air Force is just because.......well its awesome. My parents support 100% in my decision, eventhough they will miss me if i get accepted. BUT ONE THING FOR SURE. You should not second guess yourself about attending the USAFA because you are a girl and your parents dont want you too. I know one girl, just like you lipgloss and everything, she wanted to attend the AFA but her mom threw a fit and basically said if you go I'll disown you. She listed to her mom i guess, and now she is at MIT doing ROTC and kicking herself for it.</p>
<p>wow thats great that you have your parents support. My parents are the non-negotiable types. Its gotten to the point where if we go visit relatives or something and they ask me what are plans and future goals, I'll tell them my career, major, and college choices (as well throwing in some other things just to make my parents satisfied even though I have no desire to actually do them). Then at the end of my LONG speech (or whenever I can tell from my mom's facial expression that shes satisfied), I'll tell them that I have a strong interest in the USAF. (I usually throw that in after I butter them up or just to **** them off). Thats when all hell breaks loose and my mom goes ape on me.</p>
<p>Exactly what is it about the Air Force that your parents don't like? And what is it about the Air Force that attracts you to it?
From your post, it seems that you mainly want to go because it's against your parents' wishes and it's going to prove people wrong about girls. So it looks like you're just trying to rebel--I wouldn't be surprised if this is the reason your parents are against your joining the AF.
I hope that's not true. Please, don't let your main interest in the USAFA be that your parents don't want you to do it. Find something special to you about the USAFA itself and tell your parents about that. They will be much more receptive, trust me. Be honest with them and they won't "go ape."</p>
<p>My parents were very apprehensive about me joining the military. The best advice I can offer is sit down with them and explain why you think its the best thing for you. Ultimately, it's your life, and you should do what’s the best for you.</p>
<p>Today my parents are very proud that I attend USAFA. Give it some time, if this is really what you want to do, eventually your parents will be behind you all the way.</p>
<p>If your desire and goal is to become an officer in the Air Force, then I believe that it is your choice, and your choice only. Think about how upset you will be later in life when you realize that you should have gone to the USAFA. It is really important to have your parents backing up your decision and desire to be there, but some don't believe in the whole "military thing" if your parents are like this, I would have them sit down with you and your liaison officer, so they can learn more about the academy and the military. Again, it is your choice; it is what YOU will be doing in the future, not your mom. I don't mean to be rude or tell you to disrespect your parents, but if the USAFA is really what you want, talk to them. That whole thing about girls being looked at differently, don't believe it! At first there were some problems at the academy, but once the service selection issue got resolved, men started looking at woman more as their equals. Again I'm not trying to be rude, but just think about what you really want!
Respectfully,
Usnahopeful</p>
<p>Tell all us what exactly draws you to the Academy...why do you want to go? Take as much time and space as possible, and be as specific as possible.</p>
<p>And then maybe that will give you something to talk to your parents about. You can say to them what you said to us. </p>
<p>Just a thought, you don't have to try it. I feel for you...that has to be tough. One of the things that keeps me at the Academy is how I'm serving the people back home, especially my family.</p>
<p>When I told my mom I was thinking of applying to the service academies she told me that it was "the stupidest idea ever." As the process went along and we both found out more information, she kind of warmed up to the idea. However, what sealed the deal was when we went to appointee orientation that April. Once your parents see the academy, I would say they will probably change their minds. It is quite impressive when you first see it...although you may not continue to think that way while you're there :-) Anyway, if you really are serious about it (and make sure you are because otherwise you will hate your life and then some for 4 years), get your parents to go on a visit with you to try to change their minds.</p>
<p>I am a female and I have never wanted anything more than I want to go to the Air Force Academy. True, women may be looked down on by some at the academy, but I think the most important thing is for you to consider yourself an equal. What I mean is, during BCT don't complain, make a big deal about aches/ small injuries, or allow yourself to fall behind simply because women are supposedly weaker. Treat yourself as an equal and work just as hard as the men, if not harder. That is one way to earn respect; if you give your all in everything, which is expected at the academy, then you will not be looked down on. You don't have to become a shman to accomplish this. You can still be every inch a female and work just as hard as the males and be just fine. Lipgloss and all. :) (I think. Actually, what are the rules on what you're allowed to have during BCT? Is it no makeup, no hair product, no nothing?)</p>
<p>As far as your parents go, you cannot base your life-decisions on trying to please them. Believe me, it will not work, and in the end you will only be dissatisfied. I think it's a great idea to have your parents visit the campus. When they see your enthusiasm about the academy, they will come around. You will not be disowned for doing something wonderful with your life. Good luck, girl. You can do it. Apply and see what happens.</p>
<p>No makeup during basic...sorry girls. Nature supplies its own...your face will be so dirty after you run the Assault Course. :P</p>
<p>But what redhead said was right on...this crud about girls being looked down upon or not being suitable for an academy is only because of those who try to use their feminimity as an excuse to coast through basic while the guys are puking their guts out. </p>
<p>In other words, you can help the way girls are treated if you show up and work hard. Once you do that, noone will treat you badly because of your sex...and if they do...</p>
<p>If a female really tries, they will get the benefit of the doubt (more than males would)...not officially, but I think that is the general attitude here.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if anyone does not try, they will be looked down upon-without hesitation.</p>
<p>In response to original-Make sure you REALLY want to be here, if you get in!!!</p>
<p>I agree with raimius. The Air Force Academy is not something that you should go into half-heartedly. Make sure that you really want to serve the Air Force and become a cadet and later an officer of integrity and character. I've heard so many times that the academy is not for everyone, and if USAFA isn't something that you really, really want to do, then you will probably be miserable if you do receive and accept an appointment. Believe me, my dentist tried to talk me out of going because his nephew had attended and left after his four degree year. I guess he wasn't expecting life to be so hard. :)</p>
<p>Many of the parents here on cc had the same knee-jerk reaction your parents are displaying - myself included. With information and the realization that our children are committed for sound reasons rather than whim, we have become very proud parents. You should pursue your dream if it is a real dream, but you should be able to explain rationally to your parents and anyone else who asks exactly why this is your dream. If your goal is to irritate your parents (I remember the feeling) then you may want to consider apologizing to them. </p>
<p>You won't have time or inclination for makeup during BCT. And girls at service academies can wear mascara and lip gloss after a time.</p>
<p>"after a time" means immediately following BCT lol. I was shocked the day after to see all our females with eye liner, mascara, and full make-up. Quite a shock! :)</p>