Application Tips
I remember starting my application to the Coast Guard Academy, I didn’t really know where to start and knew I would have to make myself stand out to be considered in a highly competitive school. This is some advice for those of you who are starting your applications and feeling the same as I did […]
Staying Organized
Hello, hello! I’m 4/c Gigi Edmondson, from Marlborough, Massachusetts. When I got into USCGA, I used to scour these blog posts and read every single one hoping for some advice or insight about what to do with myself once I got here. I got a lot of really great tips from these posts, so today […]
From Saipan to the Coast Guard Academy
I was born and raised on a 12-mile-long island about 120 miles North of Guam called Saipan. The island is as different from the academy as it is far. In Saipan, everything is no more than 20 minutes away, nothing is taxed, everyone has an abundance of hospitality, it’s a consistent 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and […]
Building Resilience
I am an avid reader and enjoy selecting books which interest me outside of my required school reading. I found the book Resilience, by Eric Greitens, to be inspiring, captivating and relatable to many experiences in my own life. The book explores the virtue of resilience, its importance in life and why many people possess […]
Commonly Asked Questions (Part 1)
How is the food? We have cadets from other Academies that stay at the Coast Guard Academy for a semester. We called them exchangers. I have heard from multiple exchangers that the Coast Guard’s food is the best! I personally really like dinner. There are a lot of choices. Lunch, however, is more limited than […]
Thankful for a Strong Community
One thing that I love about the Academy is the strong community that continues to grow with time. As I was thinking about this, I realized how awesome it is to be able to connect with my shipmates, teachers, and mentors in a real and genuine way. Just the other day as I was squaring around Chase, I randomly struck up a greeting […]
A Sense of Belonging
My life journey, cultural upbringing, values and moving overseas to Lima, Peru for over five years was an impactful event in my life and a period of personal growth. It illuminated my vision of the world, reset my purpose and cemented my goal to pursue a career in the United States Coast Guard. I was […]
Nankurunaisa
Nankurunaisa. In English, there is no word that sums up this Okinawan term which roughly translates to: “don’t worry- it’ll be alright.” “Nankurunaisa,” is what my Obachan, my grandma, whispered to me during the 2011 Japan earthquake. “Nankurunaisa,” is what I whispered to myself at 8 years old, it hit me: I could lose everything. I […]
Break-ing Away on my Free Time
As a fourth-class cadet I did not know much about what Connecticut had to offer. It was not until this semester, my fall, first-class semester, when I finally started to branch out and see what makes Connecticut so great. Since we are in New London, we are right on the Thames River while also being […]
Overcoming Academic Challenges
Academics at the Academy is certainly challenging to say to least, but one thing that keeps me motivated is my friends and staff members around me. One of the biggest advantages to coming to the Academy is that everyone is always willing to help and work with you till your problem is resolved. Tutors for […]
