When I first became passionate about pole vault, I realized the sacrifices required to be successful. I spent countless hours of my free time practicing and getting stronger for competitions. I lost sleep at night because I was on the track too long and I would wake up in pain from the previous workout. However, I feel even more passionate about serving in the Army, and I understand the sacrifices that come with it- time, youth, money, safety, comfort- and I would not trade this honor and privilege for anything else.
For many years, I have sought to find my purpose in life and what I am supposed to do when I graduate high school. The first time I felt passionate about my future was when I felt the calling to serve in the military and attend USMA. West Point is more than just a college to me; it is the best opportunity available to prepare me to carry out this calling to lead troops. My peers and adults have always known me as a natural, moral leader, but for me to excel in the future, I need more. West Point is known for developing the world's best leaders and becoming a strong, all around military leader is extremely important to me. Loyalty, duty, respect, selflessness, honor, integrity, courage- all are some of the
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Every time I left, it felt like I was leaving my home, but it inspired me to work even harder for an appointment. I desire the military lifestyle of West Point; it is structured, cadet led, and purposeful. One thing I noticed is that everything at USMA is done with a purpose. Unlike most, I have no desire to attend a regular university and experience the normal college life that every teen looks forward to. I know that there are multiple ways to achieving a career in the Army; however, West Point is the only path that I feel will completely prepare me for a successful career, and I will not settle for anything
Meeting these heroes is what motivated me to apply. These brave warriors offered the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They became the best of the best. They became my role models and my idols. As I held my saber high above their heads, I realized what I wanted to do with my life; I want to be an aid to those in need while being the best I can be. I don’t want to be a hero. I just want to help find justice and peace in this world. I realized that day that the best way to do this would be to join the military. My original plan was to enlist, but I also want to go to college and continue to learn and better myself. Therefore, I made the biggest decision of my life. I decided to apply to the United States Military Academy. I decided to apply to stand side by side with some of the smartest, bravest, and toughest heroes America has to offer. The graduates of the United States Military are considered the best of the best which is what I wish to
Though grueling and tedious, the rewards for hard work and studying are priceless. You leave the military with a whole new meaning of life. To be able to protect your friends, family, and country is an honor that anyone should be able to enjoy.
Texas is an amazing state with a lot of history behind it, and amazing people and places within it. Most everyone knows that Austin, Texas is the capital of the state, but most do not know that West Columbia was actually the first capital of Texas. West Columbia lies within the amazing historical county of Brazoria. Texas is also the home of the historical Jones Creek, where the great Stephen F. Austin lived, which also lies in Brazoria County.
For years I have aspired to become a part of an elite organization such as the military, and more importantly, the United States Navy. Its reputation for instilling high moral character was encouragement for me to develop into a more mature, responsible, and independent young citizen. There are certain qualities that an officer must possess such as: honor, courage, commitment, and attention to duty, responsiveness to orders, cooperation, loyalty, leadership, integrity, and discipline. Throughout my high school career, I showcased these qualities while an active member of The American Legion of Ohio Buckeye Boy’s State, The National Honor Society, as a leader in the Ohio State Highway Patrol Junior Cadets, Clay and Waite High School Marching Band Alumni, Quiz Bowl, and Top Ten Scholars. I was actively involved in charitable activities such as Math and SOS tutoring, community volunteering, and the Indian 100 Leadership Team, (a volunteer organization on my high school campus). I have shown strength, perseverance and leadership in my participation in wrestling, cheerleading, and bodybui...
Despite the tendency to treat West Point as if it is a world apart from the Army, the choices I make here and now form who I will be when it matters even more. Just as leadership lessons can be learned in a History of the Military Art class in an interdisciplinary manner, I need to focus on pulling as many lessons from my time at West Point so I can apply them when the stakes are potentially much higher. References Avolio, B. J. & Co. (2005). The 'Secondary' of the Leadership Development in Balance: Made, Born.
...is to “Preserve America’s Military Heritage” and to “educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.” Another part of the mission is to educate all Americans and visitors about how America has upheld its freedom for over 200 years. In today’s world, with our battle to defeat terrorism and the turmoil in other nations, the museum and the academcy is good place to find inspiration and American pride. With that say, I think the directors of West Point Museum are accomplishing their goal and holding strong to their mission. I can't wait to go back and learn more about our country’s history and the impact wars had and still have on our world.
George Washington is one of the most well-known historic figures of the United States. American Patriots, during his presidency, and time as a war general worshipped the hero. When America was separating from Great Britain, General Washington was a major factor in winning the war against Britain. Washington perfected his military tactics prior to the revolutionary war and during the French and Indian war. Washington’s heroic character during these wars kept troops moral at an all-time high. His ability to give confidence to colony soldiers led them to independence. It all started with his political beliefs and Great Britain heavily taxing the thirteen
As a high school student I had planned on attending the Air Force Academy, but when my then girlfriend (now wife) became pregnant we decided I needed a new plan. With no financial means to go to college on my own I applied for and received and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship to Michigan Technological University. While attending college I was lucky enough to have the experience of becoming Wing Commander, and then Inspector General, both of which allowed me to work directly for our Detachment Commander (an O-6 select). Additionally, I was able to attend many special training courses that providing me opportunities to meet everyone from the Commander of Allied Air Forces Southern Europe to the Secretary of the Air Force. All of these experiences gave me a great insight early on into what senior leadership is really like.
I believe that I, Christine Kuykendall, am a good candidate for a spot in National Junior Honors Society. I hold all of the core values, I am an all A student, and I love helping in the community. I am also a very hard worker and I believe that I can do great things in National Junior Honors Society.
Throughout my first year in middle school I have really started taking great thought into my future. I have realized that I am getting closer to my adult life and that I need to start to plan for the type of future that I wish to have. As much as I enjoy team activities, I do think of myself as more of a leader and would like to go about planning my career in this way. I am determined to go about things at an advanced pace which is why I believe I should be part of the National Junior Honor Society.
Why do I want to be an area officer? While these words are not exactly the same as previous essay prompts I have been given, they all share the same idea; “Why do I want to be a leader”? Looking back at my old responses they are all focused on similar concepts; I wanted to be a leader because of the friendships, traveling and meeting new people, building better leadership skills, learning how to better communicate with people, and acquiring life skills, such as patience, teamwork, organization, and dedication. While all of these things have some importance, they should never be the reason someone wants to be a leader. When I wrote these I thinking about how to better myself, rather than how to help others. I was thinking selfishly. At the time I didn’t know what it truly meant to be a leader, to be willing to sacrifice myself for others. Even while I am still young and have much to learn, I finally understand why I want to be a leader and what a true leader should look like. I would like the opportunity to serve as a 2014-2015 Area Officer, so that I can better serve the FFA, my fellow members, and ultimately my world.
I was at Fort Benning Georgia in August 1988 to attend jump school. I had done my basic training here four years earlier with Sgt. Smith who would be my black hat true instructor for airborne school. I was standing in formation at five in the morning. It was cold now, but Georgia has hot, humid daytime temperatures that were draining mentally and physically for a student from Northern California. I knew I wanted to be here even though there would be physical and mental stresses, challenges and the possibility of serious Injury. The students would be weeded out at every point. I did not want it to happen to me. During my four years in the Army, I learned that I like to be an independent, resourceful, goal oriented problem solver. In the infantry, I had to obey the orders and not think for myself. Uniformity in everything was demanded.
I believe that some life experiences that can help me contribute to in the classroom or the Air Force Academy is my hard work and dedication. Thorough out my life I have always been challenged by my parents to work as hard as I can in everything I do, even simple tasks such as doing a homework assignment. By doing this throughout my child hood I was able to incorporate this attitude into every aspect of my life. This attitude also comes from my mindset to never give up on the goals and aspirations that I have for myself. Whether the goal seems to be extremely undo able or easily acquired I have always worked 100% to try to accomplish it. An example of this would be getting extra work done after a tough workout when I feel like I cannot do anymore
It has always been my dream to become an officer in the military ever since I was young. My uncle was in the military and loved it, he always told me stories about it and how much he enjoyed it. Growing up hearing his stories and seeing his uniform made me want to do it one day. Well, for me that one day is here now and I am proud to put on that uniform and call myself a soldier. I have always been a leader in my family, my community, and in my life in general. I like to not just be in charge but, I like to inspire those around me. I enjoy setting the example for those around me to follow.
...n ejected out of my comfort zone and proven to myself that I am capable of accomplishing my goals, big and small. The Coast Guard has also taught me about accountability and how important it is to maintain an honest attitude with yourself and your shipmates. I have learned that integrity and responsibility are character traits that are vital in maintain honor, respect, and devotion to duty. In my field we rely on each other heavily when situations arise, and I feel that my studies in Sociology have allowed me to look introspectively and observe my weaknesses so I can continue to improve and evolve into a better person that can continue to serve. I feel that my demographics do not embody diversity. Rather, it is my ups and my downs, my experience in the military, and life as an older student that can contribute to the intellectual diversity within the student body.