Heather has just returned from spending a week at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where she participated in the AIM program . The participants are selected thru a national selection process, involving submission of an application and essay, and then an in person interview with members of the CG Auxillary. About 240 students between their junior and senior year are selected to attend. (Before I forget, a special "thank you" to Ron & Mary Jane Foster, our fellow Forum Wackos, who were on stand-by in case Heather needed their help during her stay in their neighborhood.)

During the week, the kids are put thru many of the same evolutions that new CGA cadets (Swabs) go thru when they report in. They also were given an overview of the various academic majors offered. The days were long, beginning in the 0500 vicinity (and Heather is not a morning person!). She learned right away that once you make your rack you sleep on top of it so that you don't mess it up. The day ended at about 2200.

In spite of an injury that defies description, Heather really enjoyed the week in New London. It sounds as if she was able to adapt to the very strict and formal life that goes along with being a Swab. The potential for an all expense paid education (in exchange for a commitment to serve in the USCG) is a wonderful opportunity. During the week, she learned some very valuable lessons on leadership by witnessing first hand examples of both outstanding leadership and a less stellar example.

Each day, the CG Auxillary folks posted pictures of the day\'s activities on their web site. Heather even made it into one of the pics.

The CGA is one of the US Service Academies, with one major difference. The Coast Guard does not require that a candidate be nominated to be considered for entry. Candidates apply directly to the Academy. Notification of admission decisions begins mid-December. According to this Washington Post article , the CGA is the hardest to get into college in the US! Heather wants to go to a small school, and the CGA is half the size of her high school class (normally around 900 students at New London). Small classes, no TA's. The student population is about 30% female, a fairly significant portion for the Service Academies.

Since last fall, Heather has indicated her first choice of colleges is the CGA. On spring break, we visited New London where Heather got her first look at the school and visited with the swim coach. Participating in the AIM week program confirmed her decision to go forward with application to become a member of the class of 2007. Who knows, maybe there is a Coastie in my future!

Dave

Congratulations Heather!

Thanks for the update Dave (serious and proud! Did the Aliens take our Dave, Mombo?). It's a great opportunity, and Heather has some great qualities to help sell herself to the CGA. Being female, coming from Indiana, and being a swimmer will also help.
Good Luck Heather!

Congratulations, Heather!

Dave, you must be a proud father!

Bert

Congrats Heather!!

Way to go Heather! Study hard and remember the Coast Guard's Core Values; Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty!

GOOD LUCK HEATHER!!!!!!!!!!

Remember to tell them that from now on the LARGEST cutter will always be stationed at Michigan City and Hoosier's can go for a ride anytime!!!!!!

Hi David,

You have to be an awfully proud papa ..... good luck to Heather in achieving her dream. If there's anything any or all of us can do to help, let us know.

Dan

WAY TO GO HEATHER!!!!!!!!!!!

It looks like you had a full and fun week inspite of the mysterious injury.

By Dave's post we can tell that dad and mom are really proud of you.

Start filling out the real application so that you can bring in to school right away when school starts. The counselors some time need a push to get it done and in the mail to the colleges.

Take care and have fun the rest of the summer.

Mary and Jeff

We always knew you could do it -- just wasn't sure about the morning thing -- knowing how you like to sleep in.

Sounds like you had a great time! Congratulations again!

Patty & Mike

No Dave, no comment for you. Just a simple congratulations to Heather. I hope your application to the Academy has smooth sailing and you enjoy your future there.

Rich

Dave,
Such wonderful news and I knew she could adapt even if the father wasn't quite sure. All the values you and Susan taught her over these past years paid off. They will serve her well when she gets started at the academy.
Derith