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 life is simple. Attending the CGA is like visiting another world. Life here has you up to your neck in responsibility and obligation. It made an impression on me that was far from simple, and I’ve had to change a lot to find comfort of any sort here.
However, after spending more time here I’ve found ways to make the academy feel like home. Though there are some things that are out of my hands like the frigid temperatures and taxes, the academy’s affinity counsels provide a community of people just like me. I’ve been able to learn about different Asian and pacific cultures through APAC and made friends of all ethnicities. I’m able to literally get a taste of home at any time I like.
And, upon further inspection, nothing is more than a 20-minute walk here and I’ve never been unwelcomed in a room no matter what company. So, to say, the academy is a bit like home. It was about how I looked at it that helped me find that same comfort. And though there is much to do throughout the day, and I was never as busy in Saipan as I am here. One could call it simple as everything becomes routine. So, to say, the academy is a bit like home. It was about how I looked at it that helped me find that same comfort.
