How did you hear of the Coast Guard Academy?
Originally I had been flirting with the idea of going into the Coast Guard Academy at the end of my sophomore year in high school after hearing about the Coast Guard’s search and rescue department. Coincidentally, I received a brochure in the mail for the Coast Guard Academy that summer after my sophomore year. At the beginning of my junior year in high school I received another brochure. After some further research, the Coast Guard Academy began to look like one of my top options for after high school. At a JROTC event I ended up running into a Coast Guard recruiter who was the person who actually told me about the Coast Guard Academy’s AIM program. After that I felt like I had to go see what it was like to go to the Academy.
What is the #1 thing you’ve done to prepare for AIM?
I’ve been weight lifting, playing basketball, going on runs and walks. Simply put I’ve been staying active everyday and making sure to watch what I eat while also limiting my screen time and finding other ways to occupy my time so I’m adapted to being without my phone.
What do you expect to have in common with your fellow AIMsters?
I’m expecting everyone to be ready and excited to meet and interact with each other and come in with an open mindset; willing to listen and respect others ideas and opinions.
What are you most looking forward to?
I, absolutely, can not wait to meet new people and learn about who they are and what they want to do in the future. I’m also excited to learn and experience how the Coast Guard Academy operates and hopefully pick up a useful skill.
Any hesitations about your AIM week?
Naturally, I’m worried I will mess up, disappoint a peer, disappoint an instructor, or generally mess up. However, I also know that the best way to learn is by making mistakes and… well learn from them.
What do your peers think about your service academy aspirations?
Everyone I’ve told about going to the AIM program, and possibly the Coast Guard Academy, has given me so much support. I’ve also been reminded multiple times that I need to do what makes me happy at the end of the day.
