United States Air Force Academy Summer Seminar

My journey to Colorado Springs, one step at a time.

Attitude

When my path forward in life has been unclear, I have always prided myself on staying focused on my values and taking the next right step. For these past few weeks, however, I've mostly been stepping with my left foot.

Starting a few years ago, I felt a calling to serve my nation, and the next right step seemed to be earning admission to the United States Air Force Academy. For me, Summer Seminar was the ultimate opportunity to cement this momentous life choice and solidify my driven purpose before moving forward. I was grateful to get in and more grateful still to be able to attend despite twisting my ankle only two weeks beforehand. During those two weeks of uncertainty, support from family and friends allowed me to focus entirely on my recovery.

Hence, as I arrived at the Academy, my mindset of gratitude was tempered with the determination to make the most of the opportunities before me, in order to honor the commitments that I and my entire support team had made to get me there.

Altitude

Without a doubt, the Academy's biggest draw for me is the chance to surround myself with individuals who are as honorable, high-achieving, and service-minded as I work each day to be. As my first taste of this character-focused environment, Summer Seminar did not disappoint.

Trading stories with new friends from across the nation, forming camaraderie with the cadet cadre (Echo Flight on top!), and having one-on-one conversations with faculty all reinforced my conviction that the Academy is where I want to be. From wobbling on my ankle splint during military facing maneuvers to directing 39 top-notch athletes as Echo Flight's team leader during field day, I grew a lot in such a small span of time. The freedom I felt to branch out, express myself, and grow as a leader came from the unconditional trust I had in my teammates. As I attended briefings by professors and administrators, this theme of trust and get-what-you-give was emphasized time and again.

I fell (figuratively and literally) more than once in my time at the Academy, but I also encouraged others and pulled them forward. This balance of leadership and followership, vulnerability and strength, exemplified to me the personal and organizational growth the Academy constantly fosters, and I feel blessed to have been able to be a part of it.

Aspiration

I've been a martial artist for most of my life and an academic weapon for as long as I can remember, so discipline is an old friend of mine. I'm still quite young, but I'm not a kid anymore (not legally anyway). As I step into the next phase of my life, I know I have both a strong foundation and a long way to go.

I will take the lessons I learned at the Academy back to my students at West Coast World Martial Arts, just as I took the self-assuredness and respect of a black belt to Summer Seminar. I have always taught my students that pursuit of mastery is a lifelong journey. Now, more than ever, I need to embody that principle as I throw myself into higher education with the humility to ask for help and the tenacity to demand excellence.

My journey continues. From California, to Colorado, to the stars!

Thank you, dear reader, for your time. Writing this article has been a learning experience for me, so I hope, in the spirit of reciprocity, that I have given you something to take away from it as well.

#SummerSeminar2024 #AirForce #SpaceForce

United States Air Force Academy