When asked “What is a Kadet?”, the obvious answer is: a mythical bird, or according to Mr. Olson – a winner. What really makes someone a Kadet? Integrity, perseverance, and courage are all qualities that make up our student body. Some of these qualities are looked for in the United States Air Force Academy. Besides a rigorous, and painfully long application, what is the transition from Kadet to Cadet, and why would someone want to do it? When talking to John Sims and Kat Pennington, former Air Academy high school students, and current USAFA cadets,  I asked them, “Why did you want to go into the Air Force?” John said, “I wanted to go into the Air Force because there are many great opportunities, a job after I graduate, an education that is one of the best around, and on top of that, and everything else, I get to play soccer.” Kat said, “I wanted to go into the Air Force because there is a special bond between service members that I wanted to be apart of.”  John had been recruited for soccer last year, and Kat for track. They both made the transition to the prestigious school last June.

When asked, “What do you think the Academy offers you, and what do you offer the Academy?” John responded with, “The Academy has so much to offer. It has an awesome education and builds leadership characteristics that will be extremely helpful, later on in life. I offer the Academy a good building block to make an accountable leader, that has good character and is willing to serve.” Kat believes, “The academy offers me a place where I can truly be challenged in many ways. Which will make me a better person as well.  I offer the academy my leadership skills and experience that can influence the people around me.” It’s true, the academy offers much more than your average college. Although, you have to go through a tedious process of basic training, rigorous classes, and for John, soccer practice, this school offers you the opportunity to grow as a leader; have a steady job, and graduate an officer of the United States Air Force.”

Lastly, I asked both of them, “What are your plans and overall goals at the Academy?” “I am not sure what I want to major in, it kind of depends on how classes go this year and if I feel that I could handle a tough major like aeronautical engineering or if I think I need to go with business management or something slightly easier. I am not sure if I want to be a pilot or not yet. It would be fun but I am not sure as of now. The goals I have for this year at the academy are to do well academically as well as athletically with soccer, hopefully have some fun, and gain experiences that will make good memories in the future,” said John. Kat’s plans are to “major in behavioral science, and apply for medical school. I run track here at the academy, and plan on continuing that through my four years. My overall goals are to become a doctor and improve my physical fitness.” They seem to have adapted extremely well to the lifestyle of little sleep, hard core training, and an overwhelming amount of school work. We applaud them for the commitment they made, to serve for our country. From total fitness gym class, to 2 months of Basic training we are grateful to have them, and can’t wait to see John and Kat blossom into a fine, young officers.