Undergraduate / Becoming a USNA graduate - Congressional Nomination Essay [2]

Senator Marco Rubio
Question:

Why do you want to attend a Service Academy?

Character Limit: 2241/5000

The opportunity to attend the US Naval Academy would allow me to receive amazing educational experiences, where I will learn and train with others who also share the same attitude toward education. The structure and training will further instill in me how to work as a team using learned skills and education to become a single force and accomplish a goal. The USNA motto "Through Knowledge, Sea Power"; by continuing my education to become a future Naval Officer, I will help to ensure the continuation of the strength and world power of the US Navy.

Accountability is one of the reasons I want to attend the USNA. Midshipmen are held accountable by their peers through peer review and reflection. Peer review allows each midshipman to be accountable to peers for academics, sports, personal growth, and skills and receive assistance or discipline from peers allowing for the growth of leadership abilities and decision making. In scouting, while completing my Eagle Scout project I learned many of the same leadership skills that the USNA will build on to create a future Navy Officer. In NJROTC as Commanding Officer, of the battalion I have learned to evaluate situations and skill sets to take the best course of action. My academics in high school have been rigorous and challenging requiring prioritizing, organization, and time management skills which are critical in leadership. The USNA also has an outstanding athletic program I am excited to be apart of. I train with a daily workout which includes running, swimming, and weightlifting. The opportunity to attend USNA will allow for my personal growth in education as well as my pursuit to remain physically fit.

Attending Summer Seminar gave me a glimpse of what my four years at the academy will be like. I was able to use and learn new leadership skills and was excited to have the smaller class size which lends itself to a more personal learning environment. The USNA is my choice service academy not just for the future opportunities I will have but also for the contributions and desire I possess to complete my journey to becoming a USNA graduate, first one in my family to be a college graduate, and to further serve my Country beyond graduation as a Naval Officer.

Undergraduate / Congressional Nomination Essay - beyond graduation from the Naval Academy [3]

"Through Knowledge, Sea Power"

What character traits do you posses that qualify you to fulfill the motto of your preferred U.S. Service Academy?
500 words or less, at 406

The U.S. Naval Academy is my U.S. service academy of choice. The Naval Academy motto is "Through Knowledge, Sea Power" and is demonstrated through the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. From gaining knowledge and life long learning, USNA produces Naval Officers with outstanding leadership ability which results in world class sea power. These same core values have been instilled in me throughout my many years in Boy Scouts and NJROTC.

As a Boy Scout I have attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Within that journey I have had many opportunities to both learn and express Honor, by wearing my uniform proudly and always respecting the Flag, God and Country. A scout's journey to the Eagle rank requires Courage to face many new challenges; one notable event was using my CPR skills to aide an auto accident victim. Beginning scouting in second grade it was an unknown at the time the commitment it would require to become an Eagle Scout but over the years I made that a goal. My commitment to that goal opened up many opportunities for me which instilled in me the value of commitment in anything you do. As a future leader I plan to instill these values in anyone I may lead.

My entire High School career has been guided by my goal to attend the USNA. In Middle School I was on track to attend Stanton College Prep, while this was a much sought after school placement, I instead chose to attend Mandarin High School through 'School Choice'. Mandarin High School offers Navy JROTC as well as the AP and Honors classes I desired to make me a competitive USNA candidate. This choice required a huge commitment as the school is a 23 mile commute each way. All of my expectations have been met by the three plus years I have been involved with ROTC. As with Scouts I wear my ROTC uniform with pride and honor those who serve to protect our country everyday. I serve in the Color Guard, march in parades and run half marathons to honor my Flag and country. ROTC has provided opportunities where I have displayed courage in leading teams in Orienteering, Athletics and will be this year's Commanding Officer of the entire battalion. The experience I will gain in this final year of NJROTC will further my skills as a future USNA Midshipman and leader beyond graduation from the Naval Academy.