What is your proudest accomplishment that doesn’t appear on your résumé — an act for which you did not receive a trophy, grade, or other type of outward recognition?
This summer, I attended the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar. The objective of the program is to get a hands-on experience of a “plebe summer”, the summer before the start of a Midshipman’s freshman year. The seminar pushed each participant’s limits to the extreme. The program was the hardest, and most physically and mentally draining program in which I have ever participated. I got up every morning at 5:00 AM and immersed myself in athletic, educational and training activities until 11:00 PM each night.
Through this experience at USNA, I was enlightened. I met men and women who are dedicated to serve our country. Each of them is wiling to give up a typical college experience to work long hours, train extraneously, and sacrifice their lives for their country and to “protect and serve”. The level of their dedication was eye opening. After my experience at USNA, I have come to a realization that service, no matter how big or small the deed, is needed and appreciated everywhere. Whether serving our country or dedicating time for our neighborhood, I should continue to be involved. Having spent increasingly more time in community service in high school, I believe that my growing passion for service will be a significant part of my college life. The servicemen and women at USNA helped me to come to this belief.
After the Summer Seminar, I felt pride in being a part of the resilient and dedicated group of people at USNA. My pride for my country was also fostered in my experience, learning from the amazing people to whom I connected at USNA. I am grateful for the experience and I am proud of attaining stronger awareness of the importance of service through the experience at USNA.