Thanks for all the advice. I know what you mean about grad school and getting the experience, which is why I know it is something that I will need... eventually. I just am not sure I want to go right on to grad school yet. If I did get into the Reserves, I would 100% go on to grad school. In any case, I plan on applying just because it is sort of my "back up" option. My dad was direct comm. as a Navy officer, and served 10 years in the Reserves and went on to work for the DOD and retired there about 4 years ago. I am lucky to have his experience and knowledge to help steer me.
I did ponder the idea of enlisted, but it just is not in the cards for me, as I have worked hard these past 4 years in college, and I want to use my degree for something right now (even if it is not within the PA community). I know it is hard to have the experience that the Navy wants, specifically for PAO, right out of undergrad. That was why to try and supplement the years of experience everyone else would have I went ahead to create my own major in International Public Affairs. I had hoped doing this would prove how serious I was and how badly I wanted it. Making your own major, at UF or any school, is a HARD thing to do, and I'm proud to have say that I succeeded and will graduate as the only student at UF and possibly in Florida with this degree, supplemented with a minor in Leadership and a year long PR internship. Even if it doesn't get me a spot for PAO in the Navy, I at least tried and showed that I can work hard.
I say that I feel I only have 1 % chance here as I know just HOW outstanding all of the prior enlisted, prior active duty, and all the others from the civilian side who have 10+ years in Public Affairs type work, are. I already was passed over for PAO Active Duty, so I am assuming it will be the same for Reserves. But hey, I knew that it was a long shot from the beginning, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I just want to serve.... as an officer, of any type, in any branch. Like I said, Navy is first choice as I am from a Navy family. But so far they have not wanted me, thus I will try once more with them if not selected for Reserves, by re-applying for Active Duty SWO, Intel, Supply, etc (wherever I can essentially), and I also will try applying to other services as well. I think my biggest mistake was not putting down any other choices besides PAO on my active duty app for I am quite certain I would have been selected for something else. I guess at that time I thought I looked more serious about PAO by only putting that down. In reality, PA type work is my dream, but serving in any capacity is what comes first.
I am lucky to have this site, along with others, to get such sage advice. I hope to someday join the elite Navy officers, but if I don't, good luck to all of you, and as always, Go Gators!