I didn’t tell my parents, at first, about applying to the Academy. I let them know about it when I needed to fly out to take the SAT. They were excited about it upon finding out and told me they’d support me along the way.  Prior to coming to the Academy, I was taking up BS-IT and I thought Cyber Systems resembled that the most. On top of that, I wanted to pursue a program that wasn’t available anywhere else, simply because it “sounded cool.”  

My biggest challenge being an international cadet was being away from my family and friends on the days that mattered most. Birthdays, anniversary celebrations, relatives and friends passing, those are all events that I missed in the pursuit of this dream. I had to deal with that every single day I was here, and to this day, I’m still overcoming this challenge. I’ve made peace with it by accepting the nature of the work I’m about to enter, but there will be gloomy days when I think about all those moments that I didn’t get to spend with the people who got me here. I want to say though that the support the Academy and my shipmates have given me has been remarkable. The frequent check-ins I get from my company officers and chiefs as well as my underclass and upperclass have made me more resilient. They have made this place a home to miss once I go back to the Philippines.

If you’re an international applicant considering applying, take the chance! I have no doubt that this opportunity will be the best four years of your life. Despite all the struggles and the homesickness, you will eventually fall in love with this place, with the people, with the culture, and everything that CGA and the Coast Guard have to offer! Prepare yourself for the rigors that are yet to come, but be excited with what lies ahead because there are countless opportunities that will open through the Academy.