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Home / AIM / AIM BLOGS / Ella Stolarzyk - PRE-AIM INTERVIEW

Ella Stolarzyk: Pre-AIM Interview

Ella Stolarzyk | July 17, 2023

Ella Stolarzyk

What interests you about the Academy and what made you apply to AIM?

As I considered different service academies, I was drawn to the Coast Guard Academy for its humanitarian mission. That mission deeply resonates with my personal values, as it embodies the ideology of aiding those in need. I made the decision to apply for AIM to participate real-time in Academy life and to connect with like-minded high school students. It also helps me understand what I can expect if I am accepted as a cadet.

What is the #1 thing you’ve done to prepare for AIM?

The most significant step I have taken in preparation for AIM is broadening my knowledge of the Coast Guard. In the months preceding AIM, I actively sought out firsthand experiences that allowed me to witness the Coast Guard mission in action. For instance, I had the privilege of going underway on the CGC BERTHOLF on a two-day shakedown in early March, gaining valuable information about life on a cutter. Additionally, I recently embarked on a memorable helo flight at Air Station San Francisco. These immersive encounters with the Coast Guard have given me knowledge on the training needed to be a successful USCGA cadet. Perhaps more importantly, the experiences I have had allowed me to better understand the types of leaders of character the CGA produces.

What would you like your fellow AIMsters to know about you?

Throughout the week at AIM, I would like to convey my enthusiasm and excitement as a fellow AIMster as we navigate the challenges we’ll encounter together.

What are you most looking forward to?

During my time on campus, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with fellow AIMsters who, like me, are aspiring to receive appointments to the Academy. Building relationships with these like-minded individuals will be one of the highlights of my week. I am also excited about forming connections with coaches, teachers, and our cadre. Engaging with these mentors will not only provide me with guidance but also allow me to establish additional meaningful connections within the Academy community!

Any hesitations about your AIM week?

Among the obvious reasons for feeling nervous, my primary hesitation revolves around adapting to the East Coast weather. Coming from the Bay Area of San Francisco, I am not accustomed to high humidity and extremely hot days. The Eastern summer heat will pose an additional challenge during what is already expected to be a demanding week. To gradually prepare for this change, I’ve taken proactive steps such as staying well-hydrated and having training sessions during the warmest parts of the day. These preparations will hopefully help me face the rigor of my AIM week.

What do your peers think about your service academy aspirations?

West Coast high school graduation plans typically include attending state schools or large universities, with service academies being a less common path for almost all students. However, I made the unconventional decision to apply for a career in the Coast Guard by way of the USCGA. Despite this departure from the norm, my peers have shown unwavering support for my future. My friends ask numerous questions, join in my pre-AIM workouts and look forward to hearing updates post-AIM!

I believe I am respected by my peers for having the courage to not only pursue my dreams but also the decision to serve my country in an important and unconventional manner.

About Ella

  • Hometown: Danville, CA
  • Intended Major: Government
Apply To AiM

Sponsor Family Application

Thank you for submitting your application to be part of the Sponsor Family Program. Your application will be processed in the upcoming week. Coast Guard Academy’s policy on background screening now requires all adults (everyone 18 and older living in the home) who volunteer to mentor, teach, coach or sponsor cadets, whether on or off Coast Guard Academy grounds, to be screened every 5 years. They are required to provide personal information (name, birth date and social security number) for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.

The Security Officer at the Coast Guard Academy, CWO2 Gina Polkowski, is overseeing this process. Her email is: Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.

Sponsor Family designations fall into several different categories. Below are the guidelines to help you determine how best to meet the background screening requirement:

  1. If you are Coast Guard active duty you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
  2. If you are a Civilian working for the Coast Guard you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
  3. If you are non-Coast Guard Active Duty, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at  Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
  4. If you are non-Coast Guard civilian who has a current security clearance or National Agency check, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at  Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
  5. All civilians in the families who are 18 years or older and do not have a security clearance or a National Agency Check are required to be vetted through Mind Your Business, the third party vendor hired by the Coast Guard Academy for the vetting process.

After you complete your application, please e-mail the Sponsor Family Program Coordinator at CadetFamilySponsorProgram@uscga.edu. In your e-mail, you must include the e-mail address and phone number of every adult living in the home. The Sponsor Family Coordinator will then initiate the background check process and you will receive an email with further instructions.

Important things to note:

There is a Sponsor Family Training that is a one-hour training which we ask sponsors to attend once every four years. This training is designed to give you an overview of the program, what is expected of you as a sponsor, and what you can expect from your cadets. This training will also help familiarize you with the cadet regulations onboard CGA. You will be notified via e-mail once the training is scheduled.

The matching process of swabs to families will occur during July and August. Please bear with us and remain flexible through this process. There will be a meet and greet scheduled on Campus, typically in late August. This will give families an opportunity to formally meet their cadet if they have not already done so. Details on this will also be via email.

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