How did you hear of the Coast Guard Academy?
Attending Culver Military Academy and serving in the military leadership structure as the Regimental Technology and Academic Aide exposed me to the different service academy paths. I have always been drawn to the Coast Guard Academy because its dual mission of national defense and humanitarian aid perfectly aligns with my personal background. Having founded Hoops for Hopes, a non-profit that rebuilds public parks for underserved communities across the border in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, I want to attend an academy where public service and saving lives are central to the mission.
What is the #1 thing you’ve done to prepare for AIM?
Physically, as a varsity basketball and football captain, I adapted my workouts over the last month to focus heavily on the extensive running, push-ups, and planks required, while maintaining strict hydration to prepare for the New England summer heat and humidity. Mentally, I have leaned into my roles on the Regimental Inspection Team at Culver and as an elected Senator at Hoosier Boys State to practice the self-discipline, accountability, and stress resilience needed to handle a realistic simulation of Swab Summer.
What do you expect to have in common with your fellow AIMsters?
I expect that we will all share a deep commitment to service, teamwork, and pushing our own limits. Anyone who volunteers to be placed in intentionally high-stress situations during their summer vacation is looking for a challenge. Most importantly, I expect that my fellow AIMsters will share a dedication to the Coast Guard’s core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty, and will be ready to place loyalty to our platoon above our own.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to meeting the Coast Guard professionals who carry out our nation’s vital economic, environmental, humanitarian, and national defense missions. I can’t wait to talk directly to the cadets who have sailed America’s Tall Ship EAGLE or flown in Coast Guard aircraft. I want to learn exactly what it takes to succeed at the Academy and honor those who serve.
Any hesitations about your AIM week?
I wouldn’t call it hesitation, but I have a healthy respect for the physical and mental crucible ahead. The AIM handbook makes it clear that we will be tested and placed in difficult, high-stress situations to see how we respond to a crisis. However, navigating the military hierarchy at Culver has taught me that we don’t survive a challenge alone; we trust and support the people to our left and right. I am ready to embrace this challenge with my team.
What do your peers think about your service academy aspirations?
Because I attend Culver Military Academy during the year, my peers completely understand and support my aspirations; they know I thrive in structured, disciplined, and rigorous environments. My friends back home in the El Paso and Ciudad Juárez border region, who have worked alongside me in my community service efforts, know that I’ve always wanted to scale my passion for helping others to a national level. They see the Coast Guard Academy as the perfect fit for the kind of leader I want to become.
