My Dream; My Reality

Annie CSLC, Leadership University United States Military Academy

For the past two years, my utmost desire has been to attend and graduate from the prestigious United States Military Academy. This passion developed from adversity I have faced. Throughout the years, I have been taught to love and appreciate this country, but never before was it personal. My father, a National Guardsman for 20 years, was deployed to Iraq in March of 2003, and for over a year my family and I had to carry on without this man in our lives. This was a trying time for us, and even though it was difficult, I embraced it. For four years I have promoted a platform of patriotism, and I have been faithful to that platform, to the men and women who so unselfishly serve this country, and most importantly, to my father.

With my father's absence, things changed. My family was depressed and upset about the hardships my father was about to undergo, and even more so about the undecided outcome of his journey. I also changed, becoming more concerned of the welfare of our soldiers, and realizing that I too would someday be able to serve. In my quest to bring honor and glory to our soldiers, the consciousness of my own destiny became evident to me.

It was imperative to my father's well-being that I wrote to him while he was at war. He depended on me to receive letters from home, as I gave him hope and something to look forward to by writing him a letter everyday, faithfully. I learned the importance of dependability and started demonstrating it in my every endeavor. The more prevalent my father's absence became, the more I longed to be like him. I wanted so badly to take the horrors of war, the dejection of the unknown, and the uncertainty of fate away from our soldiers, particularly my father. I wanted to take the place of someone else and spare them the hardship, the pain, and the loneliness. I wanted to become a soldier in the United States Army and a true patriot.

I have always had a will to serve my community, but this will became a driving force after my father left. Every night I would come home exhausted from working countless hours on my "Salute to America's Heroes" (a variety show I created, produced, and performed in to thank our soldiers and veterans for their selfless service), but I would always remind myself of my father's commitment and service to his country, and realize that if he could withstand situations that I couldn't even imagine, I could at least spend my free time supporting him. While my father was gone, I vowed to make the difference my father has been making by serving in the military. This dedication to my father and to the military is the same dedication that I will demonstrate at the United States Military Academy.

After finding an organization to sponsor my event, I then had to manage and motivate my volunteers in order to get the job done. I used leadership to accomplish my dream of successfully creating "Salute to America's Heroes." With the experience of two conferences in Washington, D.C., I am confident in sharing my knowledge of how to lead. This leadership is essential in being a productive cadet at West Point and an officer in the United States Army. I want to attend the United States Military Academy not only because I have been inspired, but also because I fit the part. I know I will thrive there and also benefit the school by sharing my unique talents and personality.

I believe in leading by example, and have never asked anything of anyone that I would not do myself. I am an example of the "All American Girl" and reveal my patriotism by what I say, do, and believe. I always have more than one flag outside of my house and wear patriotic colors more often than not. I support democracy and practice my rights as a free citizen. I am active in preserving the privileges of Americans by expressing my opinions and standing up for what I believe in. As an American, and daughter of a true patriot, I have implemented patriotism into my everyday life. I recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily, and I thank God for this free nation and the principles on which it was founded.

The hardships I have endured have strengthened my attitude toward life and my passion for West Point. Although my father's going to war has tried both my faith and patience, I am grateful for the experience. I am grateful because I wholeheartedly appreciate the wonderful country in which I live freely. God gave me the opportunity to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally, and I now know where my future lies. I am grateful because I have realized my purpose in life: to give my all. I am certain that the only place capable of wholly preparing me to give my all is the United States Military Academy at West Point. Attending is a dream come true.

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