lol

1. When did you first become interested in the Air Force Academy and serving in the Air Force? What started your interest? What Air Force career field do you hope to enter? What do you expect to gain from the Air Force Academy experience and how will it help you in your Air Force career? (250 to 300 words, 3000 characters max)

It has always been a family tradition to serve in the military. All my life, I have been surrounded by the military lifestyle; my grandfather was an Army Captain during World War II, my father retired from the Air Force, and now my brother has the honor of attending the United States Air Force Academy. These role models helped spark a strong interest in the military – the idea of service to my country has inspired me to pursue a military career. My brother is a person that I seek to emulate because of his unfaltering drive to become a pilot. As I saw him for the first time after completing basic cadet training, I witnessed his maturation and the natural aura of leadership that only the United States Air Force Academy could instill. My brother became a totally different person. His priorities changed from seeking cheap and temporary thrills to pursuing goals that would transcend his stay at the Academy. His sense of pride and confidence showed that he was ready to accept any challenges that got between himself and his aspirations. Observing these drastic transformations aroused a challenge within me; I have accepted this challenge and maybe one day I can gain the same characteristics that my brother exudes. I understand that only a military academy can instill such qualities and teach lifelong skills that will lead to success. I believe that success is attainable in any career with the lessons learned from a military academy; these lessons are universal. I wish to attend the Air Force Academy because of its unique system of creating strong, successful leaders.


2. Which aspect of the Air Force Academy experience (academic, military training, athletic, social/spiritual) do you anticipate will be most challenging for you? Discuss why and how you expect to succeed in that area. (250 to 300 words, 3000 characters max)

I believe that my biggest challenge at the Academy would be in academics. Throughout my life, I have been more athletically gifted than book smart. As a youth, I enjoyed playing many sports from soccer, to basketball and even baseball. My favorite sport was basketball and entering freshman year of high school I knew that the team tryouts would not be easy. I was a very technically skilled player; however, my height 5’1” proved to be a setback that naturally put me among the last to be considered for making even the freshman team. A week after tryouts, I learned that I did not make the team. Because I am used to being a year-round athlete, I decided to give wrestling a try. This was one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. The one-on-one nature of the sport taught me the values of hard work and how directly related it is to success. Errors from teammates could not affect my personal performance; the amount of success that I received would be determined by the amount of effort I put in. I learned that this lesson would apply just as equally to life than it would to winning a wrestling match. I desire to be a well rounded individual who receives success in athletics, academics, and personal wellness. I understand that the nature of the Academy is geared to intensely challenge all facets of cadet life. Through academics, the playing field is even for everyone – all receive midterms, finals, and graduate with the same premier education offered at the Academy. There are no setbacks in height; only study skills, diligence and determination can lead to academic success. Utilizing the lessons that I have learned through my athletic endeavors, I seek to overcome the academic challenges presented by the Academy.


3. Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? If something similar happens in the future, how would you react? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)

I missed a day of school, and a major Geometry test, attending a doctor’s appointment. Long hours of wrestling practice resulted in an auricular hematoma – or “cauliflower ear.” My mother acted to prevent further build up of the fluid, making an appointment to get it drained. The wrestling season was in full swing, and life was stressful and exhausting. With an auricular hematoma, frequent impact on the ear causes fluid to leak into the space between the skin and cartilage of the ear. It is similar to a blood clot, however if it is not treated, the fluid hardens, severely deforming the ear. The pain caused by the additional pressure is unbearable. After the missed day, I went make up the test. My Geometry teacher took me into an empty room, telling me to begin the test. After just writing my name, she walked out of the room; she was going to be in her office. 2 questions later, she brought another student in to make up the same test. It was Stephen Leh – the “genius” of my graduating class with a GPA above 4.0. Stephen was very nice to the point where some would call him a push over. He contributed in class by helping students understand main concepts and explaining key ideas. Sometimes, he allowed students to copy his homework if he couldn’t bear the thought of a peer missing their assignment. This great source of knowledge was a desk in front of me; he could guarantee an A on this test. All I had to do was ask him for answers. Then, my wrestling coach’s words started to ring in my ear. “Integrity is what you do when no one is watching. I’m not going to sit with you at every meal to make sure you’re eating right; I’m not over your shoulder every minute of practice. You need to have the character to know what you’re doing is right.” Character. This was a matter of character just as much as it was of integrity. Slacking during practice is punishable by longer conditioning, but lack of integrity could lead to serious problems in the future, resulting in an untrustworthy character. As these words rang in my head, I decided not to cheat, even if I would have gotten a better grade on the test. This incident reaffirmed the values of integrity and trust within me. It is a reminder of the honor that I possess; a reference for me when my values are questioned. If ever a similar incident were to happen, I would remember that the preservation of integrity is more important than a momentary test or grade – even without a hematoma to remind me of my coach’s words.Statement 1: Compose your own responses. In the space below, explain why you want to attend the United States Military Academy and serve on active duty as an Army officer.

I wish to attend the United States Military Academy because it presents a challenging environment unique only to military academies. It is a dream of mine to become an officer in the military, and there is no better way to achieve that dream than to attend West Point. West Point offers a premiere education that transcends the classroom. I wish to develop under this exclusive experience that the military offers. I come from a family with a strong tradition in the military: my grandfather was an Army Captain during World War II, my father retired from Air Force, and now my brother is currently attending the United States Air Force Academy. It is my ambition to carry out this tradition and serve the country that has provided me with the benefits of freedom. Being raised in an Asian-American family, the qualities of loyalty, honor and service have been instilled in me. As I embody these characteristics I hope that one day I may be able to contribute to the excellent tradition that West Point has created in producing the finest military officers in the world.

Statement 2: Compose your own response. What are the most important qualities inbecoming a successful USMA cadet and a successful Army officer?

I believe that integrity, leadership, and discipline are the most important qualities in becoming a successful USMA cadet and Army officer. I have been taught that integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. Integrity grows from the morals and ethics someone is raised with; it is the culmination of an overbearing sense of honor and loyalty that one possesses. Someone with a strong awareness of integrity is clear-minded, confident, and willing to take responsibility for his own actions. Likewise, leadership is another quality that is essential in any USMA cadet or officer. Integrity complements leadership, as a cadet or officer should lead by example. Any person in a position of leadership should first create a strong leader-follower relationship. This relationship establishes a system in which teamwork can thrive and common goals can be achieved. Influential leadership results in an admirable person that subordinates trust and follow. Lastly, a successful USMA cadet and Army officer should have discipline and self control. Discipline is a commitment to self and others – at times discipline may require a sacrifice for a common goal. It is shown in every aspect of life and reflects the strong work ethic of any leader. As a disciplined leader, a selfless attitude is created and is a necessary trait in offering one’s service to the country. These important characteristics and qualities are essential for any person in a position of leadership. As I do my best to exhibit these traits, West Point will help them develop and turn me into a successful cadet and Army officer.

Statement 3: Compose your own response. West Point and the Army are committed to the idea that respect for others and an understanding of diversity are important leadership traits. Why will you be successful in working with leaders, peers, and subordinates of a gender, color, ethnicity, and/or religion different from your own?

Respect for others and an understanding of diversity are important leadership traits because every member of the military is unified as one for the purpose of serving our country. As a USMA cadet and Army officer, I intend to serve the country to the best of my ability utilizing my knowledge of diversity and persistent respect for people of any gender, color, ethnicity, or religion. I will be successful in working with my peers because of my upbringing as an Asian-American immersed in the constantly changing environment of a military lifestyle. My father retired from the Air Force, and in two instances my family and I had to relocate. I was born in suburban Utah and attended a Catholic school. I made many friends who were mostly Caucasian and Hispanic, and after nine years of living in Utah, it was time to move to Germany. I bid farewell to Utah and Wiesbaden, Germany welcomed my family and me. At first I was devastated from leaving behind my civilian friends and moving to a foreign country; however, I quickly made friends who had also experienced several moves before coming to Wiesbaden. Before this stage in life, I never saw such a wide variety of people interacting with each other in the friendliest of ways. There was a common understanding that a friend today might be off to Japan, Texas, or Italy tomorrow. With this knowledge, Wiesbaden became the center of the greatest cultural melting pot I had ever been a part of. I became friends not only with my “Army brat” peers, but also with the surrounding German civilians. This exposure granted me a life-long learning experience that could not be found by any ordinary child living in the United States. After nearly four years of living in Wiesbaden, it was time to move again – this time to Millburn, New Jersey. My father was now retired from the Air Force after serving 20 years, and we chose to settle in Millburn because of its quality education: the high school consistently ranks among the top 5 public schools in the state with SAT scores and AP courses towering above the competition. For me, back to the suburbs meant entering the lives of people who had never been north of Manhattan. My peers in Millburn lived a secure life, with piano lessons, tutors, and regular family vacations to Vail, Colorado every winter. After experiencing Wiesbaden, slowing down in Millburn was tough. Despite the initial culture shock, I readjusted by making new friends and focusing on my school work. Here, I was not only a minority because of my military background, but also because of being an Asian-American. This personal experience of being a minority taught me that I should never discredit or discount someone’s contribution – even if they are different. The military life has instilled an understanding of tolerance in me that I have gained through personal experience. Now, I offer my unique background to seek success as an Army officer.