Motivational Statement MEGA Thread

[exNavyOffRec]

Good Morning,

This is my Statement. It fits in the fillable PDF and I am looking to try and downsize/improve it.

My questions are: As Active Duty does anyone think that I should focus on my Leadership or Reasons why I want a commission?
Should I do Typical Navy Eval writing, E.I, Powerful words backed with even more powerful adjectives?
Or give proof of the Leadership backed with numbers and events?

If you are up for a long read I posted my Old and New statement.

My Statement thus far:

The Navy has provided me with many challenges in my eight years as an Operation Specialist, including being deployed four times in five years and as part of many Operations. During challenging times some people can lose motivation due to stress or lack of direction. I do not. I embrace these types of challenges. On several occasions as a watch and work-center supervisor I have found myself in difficult situations or been given complicated tasks with little to no guidance. I know firsthand that the key to a successful team is to maintain a positive attitude while being resourceful and innovative. I believe these are key attributes of a successful leader.

As a recruiter, I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to independent duty. I have done so while conducting seminars, school presentations and spreading Navy awareness amongst the community. I have shown my determination to succeed in all aspects of Naval service by successfully leading and mentoring 42 highly qualified future sailors in to the US Navy.

I have a passion for physical fitness. I believe that the ability to balance a competitive spirit along with selfless teamwork is essential for a leader. I have played and coached rugby for 14 years. I stay active and healthy by being a member and team captain on club basketball, softball and soccer teams year round. I also participated with team NRD Portland in the Hood to Coast Relay which is one of the longest relay races in the world. Our team ran a total of 192 miles in two days.

My life experiences have provided me with the wisdom and leadership to successfully lead, mentor, and care for my shipmates. I am confident in my ability to be decisive, loyal, and resilient in all aspects of leadership. A Navy commission has been both a professional goal and personal dream. I yearn to lead and make a difference. My determination to become a Commissioned Officer and a part of the Supply Corps is resolute. As a Naval officer I want the opportunity to go beyond the walls of the Combat Information Center and work alongside the best, learn from the best and lead the best. I AM READY TO LEAD!

MY OLD STATEMENT

I am applying for a commission because I want to make a difference. I want to lead and pass on the wisdom of my past experiences in life, and as a Petty Officer in the US Navy. I am a loyal, tactful leader backed with integrity, and honor. I aggressively strive to accomplish all orders, challenges, and assignments with sound discipline, accountability, and a detailed oriented work style.

Attitude and experience. The Navy has been good at offering up its share of challenges. Often a team will fail because they cannot see the positive in every challenge. I am optimistic and calm under pressure; I believe those to be necessities of a Naval Officer. On several occasions, I have been in situations, or given difficult tasking with little to no guidance. My positive attitude, resourcefulness, and effective problem solving strategies have often resulted in the success of the team. I believe the experience I have pro-actively dealing with stress, and making decisions under pressure, will be of immense value to the US Navy as a Commissioned Officer.

I am driven by an uncanny determination to achieve a professional goal, and more importantly, my personal dream to lead men and women as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Navy. My desire is resolute and true. I am confident in my ability to be decisive, loyal, and resilient in all aspects of leadership. SELECT ME, utilize my skills and dedication as a Commissioned Officer.

Please leave feedback, I beg!

This is from a quick glance, which is all at best the board will do, the new statement is much better, but I spotted 2 issues. The statement "I yearn to lead and make a difference" are you saying that you don't lead and make a difference now? that is what it sounds like, the same goes for the end where you say "I am ready to lead" according to earlier in your statement you do lead, I would say ditch those 2 parts and leave the rest.

 

[Wolery David O]

Aye, Very good points! Those statements are counterintuitive to what my message is. I am going to take those out.

Thank you!

V/r

 

[gtwhitegold]

Below is my statement if someone would have the time to look over it, I would be much appreciative. If it helps, I am an IT1 applying for IP/IW/Intel.

Ever since I decided to enlist in 2002, I knew that I wanted to become a Naval Officer. I desire the greater responsibility that an Officer has over a Bluejacket or Chief. I also know that this greater responsibility will only increase in degree as I grow and develop as an Officer. I look forward to the challenges that I await as an Officer and the leadership opportunities that they entail.

I have selected billets that I know would be challenging, having spent my entire career either overseas, on a ship, or both. I chose OSA and FDNF tours because I wanted a greater challenge. I have also pursued the road less taken, having performed seventeen distinct primary duties from an Undesignated Seaman on a Frigate to Training and Readiness Departmental LPO at NCTS Far East.

I believe that I am ready for the role of a Naval Officer having performed as acting N7 Department Head twice and having served in a mentorship role for my Division Officer onboard USS Tortuga as well as leading Communications Division and Operations Department to achieve the Green “E” award. I was also the first person outside of Operations Department to obtain the highest qualification available at NCTS Far East, Far East Watch Officer. I have completed 18 of 36 required credits towards my Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security.

Given the opportunity, I know that I will excel as a Naval Officer, no matter which designator I am chosen for.

 

[JORGE]

I keep reading questions about the limit of words. If you read 1420.1b it clearly states "Limit your statement for EACH section below to between 200-250 words"
Keep in mind that there's three sections in the motivational statement itself. My two cents.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

I keep reading questions about the limit of words. If you read 1420.1b it clearly states "Limit your statement for EACH section below to between 200-250 words"
Keep in mind that there's three sections in the motivational statement itself. My two cents.

for anyone that reads this the word limit does not apply to those applying via a recruiter.

 

[Dzien]

Preparing to submit once more... Figure a grad degree would now give me the best shot at selection over my previous attempts 2 and 3 years ago, respectively.

Seeking assistance in either trimming or reviewing the following motivational statement.
All assistance is greatly appreciated.

"Becoming a commissioned officer in the Navy is a goal I have aspired to since childhood. Being raised in a patriotic family where every branch of the military is represented over 3 generations, left my parents with high expectations for their children, especially in the areas of academic, civic, and professional achievement, and my mother, an educator herself, saw to it that I stayed on that path. My grandfathers on both sides of my family made sure all the children in the family knew and respected the United States and the military, both being veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars and members of the American Legion. My father, a veteran of the United States Navy himself, would often recount his time serving on the USS Orleck straight out of high school, and his sincere regret in not immediately re-enlisting while he still had the youth to do so. Earning a commission would make me the first officer to serve in my family, as well as the the fourth generation to continuously serve.

What brings me to the Navy with the intention of serving as a commissioned officer is a combination of the high respect and sense of duty I was in stilled with growing up, and my passion for leadership, which I have nurtured in my academic years, both during and after college. As a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, I was given the opportunity to be a part of something much greater than myself, whereby my every action weighed on the outward image of the whole. As founding president of Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, I was entrusted by my fellow members to be custodian of the order. It was the first time I had been tasked with ensuring the achievement and wellbeing of hundreds of my fellow students. Experience I attained in these roles, led me to achieve other life goals, such as joining a Masonic lodge, and later, the Shrine, where I presently hold leadership roles.

I believe today's Navy officer must aim to be no less than beyond reproach. Through continuous self-improvement and regular demonstrations of commitment to the fleet, inspire those around them in the line of duty, and extol the cardinal values of the Navy at all times. I believe that in today's fast-paced world, only those who would lead, and selflessly guide our nation's enlisted sailors need apply. As an officer of the United States Navy, I will continually strive to turn those who I serve with into something greater than they were yesterday. I have never wavered in my sincere desire to join the military, nor my confidence in knowing I possessed the character and ability to become a model officer of the same. Each and every time life presented me with a challenge to distract me from this goal, I have found the will to persevere, and find renewed focus on the dream I have held to since I tried on my grandfather's old Army uniform in elementary school.

I have chosen to pursue a career as an officer in my nation's navy because I wholeheartedly believe that my upbringing has appropriately prepared me to demonstrate honor, courage, and commitment in every facet of navy life, and that my life experiences and leadership opportunities have afforded me a unique perspective through which I may better mentor and motivate those junior to me to, while still humbly accepting the wisdom of those who have come before me.

In the Navy, I hope to serve as a Supply Officer, whereby the skills afforded to me in my MBA may be best applied to furthering the fleet in any capacity demanded of me. Business has been my passion in graduate school and I would treasure the opportunity to serve as a leader of the supply corps to where my academic strengths would best assist the fleet. It has also been a longstanding dream of mine to serve on board an aircraft carrier, and in that capacity, it would be a chief career goal to serve to as a duly qualified Naval Aviation Supply Officer, should I have the good fortune and honor to be selected for a commission.

I thank the selection board for their time in reviewing my application, and should I be found to hold the qualities desired of a career officer in today’s Navy, I enthusiastically look forward to fulfilling that commitment to the greatest extend of my God-given ability."

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Preparing to submit once more... Figure a grad degree would now give me the best shot at selection over my previous attempts 2 and 3 years ago, respectively.

Seeking assistance in either trimming or reviewing the following motivational statement.
All assistance is greatly appreciated.

"Becoming a commissioned officer in the Navy is a goal I have aspired to since childhood. Being raised in a patriotic family where every branch of the military is represented over 3 generations, left my parents with high expectations for their children, especially in the areas of academic, civic, and professional achievement, and my mother, an educator herself, saw to it that I stayed on that path. My grandfathers on both sides of my family made sure all the children in the family knew and respected the United States and the military, both being veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars and members of the American Legion. My father, a veteran of the United States Navy himself, would often recount his time serving on the USS Orleck straight out of high school, and his sincere regret in not immediately re-enlisting while he still had the youth to do so. Earning a commission would make me the first officer to serve in my family, as well as the the fourth generation to continuously serve.

What brings me to the Navy with the intention of serving as a commissioned officer is a combination of the high respect and sense of duty I was in stilled with growing up, and my passion for leadership, which I have nurtured in my academic years, both during and after college. As a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, I was given the opportunity to be a part of something much greater than myself, whereby my every action weighed on the outward image of the whole. As founding president of Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, I was entrusted by my fellow members to be custodian of the order. It was the first time I had been tasked with ensuring the achievement and wellbeing of hundreds of my fellow students. Experience I attained in these roles, led me to achieve other life goals, such as joining a Masonic lodge, and later, the Shrine, where I presently hold leadership roles.

I believe today's Navy officer must aim to be no less than beyond reproach. Through continuous self-improvement and regular demonstrations of commitment to the fleet, inspire those around them in the line of duty, and extol the cardinal values of the Navy at all times. I believe that in today's fast-paced world, only those who would lead, and selflessly guide our nation's enlisted sailors need apply. As an officer of the United States Navy, I will continually strive to turn those who I serve with into something greater than they were yesterday. I have never wavered in my sincere desire to join the military, nor my confidence in knowing I possessed the character and ability to become a model officer of the same. Each and every time life presented me with a challenge to distract me from this goal, I have found the will to persevere, and find renewed focus on the dream I have held to since I tried on my grandfather's old Army uniform in elementary school.

I have chosen to pursue a career as an officer in my nation's navy because I wholeheartedly believe that my upbringing has appropriately prepared me to demonstrate honor, courage, and commitment in every facet of navy life, and that my life experiences and leadership opportunities have afforded me a unique perspective through which I may better mentor and motivate those junior to me to, while still humbly accepting the wisdom of those who have come before me.

In the Navy, I hope to serve as a Supply Officer, whereby the skills afforded to me in my MBA may be best applied to furthering the fleet in any capacity demanded of me. Business has been my passion in graduate school and I would treasure the opportunity to serve as a leader of the supply corps to where my academic strengths would best assist the fleet. It has also been a longstanding dream of mine to serve on board an aircraft carrier, and in that capacity, it would be a chief career goal to serve to as a duly qualified Naval Aviation Supply Officer, should I have the good fortune and honor to be selected for a commission.

I thank the selection board for their time in reviewing my application, and should I be found to hold the qualities desired of a career officer in today’s Navy, I enthusiastically look forward to fulfilling that commitment to the greatest extend of my God-given ability."

you have A LOT of fluff in this, you talk quite a bit about items that don't tell the board/or tell them little about your leadership, your community service, what teams you have been a part of and what you did.

There was an article a bit ago about how people coming into the military are more and more from families without a military background, that should indicate that talking about your families background is not important, I can tell you that I was in a fleet concentration area and most of the men and women I had picked up did not come from a military background.

The boards spend minimum time on each application you need to focus on you and what you have done.

 

[Dzien]

you have A LOT of fluff in this, you talk quite a bit about items that don't tell the board/or tell them little about your leadership, your community service, what teams you have been a part of and what you did.

There was an article a bit ago about how people coming into the military are more and more from families without a military background, that should indicate that talking about your families background is not important, I can tell you that I was in a fleet concentration area and most of the men and women I had picked up did not come from a military background.

The boards spend minimum time on each application you need to focus on you and what you have done.

...I have taken your advice and removed a lot of background information, replacing it with more insight into my leadership and volunteer efforts. Let me know if the length is an overall issue, as I can aim for a word-count when revising.

Becoming a commissioned officer in the Navy is a career goal I have aspired to since childhood. My father, himself a veteran of the United States Navy, would often speak of his time serving on the USS Orleck straight out of high school. My intense desire to serve as an officer, stems from the morals and drive my family has brought me up to integrate into my life, as well as my successes in the many leadership opportunities I have been afforded throughout my academic and professional life.

In my several social organizations at the University of South Florida, I became part of something much greater than myself, whereby my every action weighed on the outward image of the whole. As a brother of Theta Chi Fraternity, I served two terms on the campus Interfraternity Council conduct board, hosting workshops against drunk driving and promoting alternative social events in concert with MADD, leading the Greek community in safer social behavior programming and receiving national recognition from our Grand Chapter.

As founding president of Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, I was entrusted with the achievement and wellbeing of hundreds of my fellow students. I developed superior time management strategies and established relationships with many college deans, including the University President, over several official functions. Over my two terms, I spread the influence of the society to other bay area campuses and collaborated with the Career Centers of the university system in organizing cooperatives with local businesses, such as Nielsen and Raymond James, and launched professional networking events for our active members across the state of Florida.

Shortly before graduation, I joined a Masonic lodge, and later Shriners International, where I presently hold office. At the Shrine, I coordinate hundreds of volunteer hours at the local Shriners Hospital for Children. Volunteer efforts I have led include patient interactions with college football players and staff for the annual East-West Shrine Game, Hospital visits for new Shriners and community donors, and assisting with landscaping projects and patient room visits for on-campus college fraternities, especially over the holiday season.

In the Navy, I hope to serve as a duly qualified Naval Aviation Supply Officer, whereby the knowledge gained in my MBA program may be best applied to furthering the mission in any capacity demanded of me. Business has been my professional passion since graduation, and I would treasure the honor to begin a long and fulfilling career as a leader in the supply corps.

I am confident that my upbringing and life experiences have appropriately prepared me to be a model officer in today’s Navy. A leader in the fleet must be beyond reproach and a beacon of discipline and determination. Through continuous self-improvement, self-sacrifice, and regular demonstrations of commitment to the fleet, I will to extol the cardinal values of honor, courage, and commitment, and at all times inspire those around me to be something greater than they were yesterday. There would be no greater honor than being selected to undertake a career guiding America's enlisted sailors and defending our nation alongside the bravest men and women I will ever come to serve alongside.

I thank the selection board for their time in reviewing my application, and should I be found to hold the qualities desired of a career officer in today’s Navy, I enthusiastically look forward to fulfilling that commitment to the greatest extend of my God-given ability.

 

[BravoMyles]

Do your worst! Pretty rough draft thrown together in some downtime at work today.


Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of serving my country in the military. Throughout my childhood, I heard stories from my grandad about serving in the Army Air Corps which made the idea that much more awe inspiring in my eyes, leading me through life with the desire to fulfil my dream.

In college, I had the opportunity to be a part of Air Force ROTC for a year, which taught me many aspects of being a leader and even more about working as a team with all different types of people. After leaving on my own terms, I continued to dream about someday serving my country, and about how I could do so.

Continuing through college and now nearing the end of my undergraduate degree, I have decided that serving as an officer in the United States Navy is something that I want to strive to accomplish. The idea of leading and working with men and women from all walks of life is something that sounds extremely rewarding, and doing so in the Navy presents an opportunity that only a select few can to claim to have done.

Having an opportunity to serve among America’s best and brightest is something that no one can deny the outstanding nature of. With my past experiences, I would like to take what leadership and team working skills I have and put them to use as a Naval Officer, while using the opportunity to continue and build on these abilities to serve at the best of my ability.

On top of all of this, my love of aviation has expanded continuously since my first instruction flight at the age of 15. My degree and flight experience since then has continued to build this ongoing love for the field, as well as serving on the Oklahoma State University flight team, being a member of the OSU Flight Club, and joining the OSU Aviation Fraternity. This love of flying and the discipline it requires fuels my desire to not only serve as a Naval Officer, but to try and be the best Naval Aviator I can be as well.

Without a doubt, being a Naval Officer is the chance of a lifetime for someone fresh out of college, the experience it offers is unmatched along with all of the opportunities it can bring forth. Coupling this with a passion for aviation leads me to believe that a career as a United States Naval Aviator and Naval Officer is the path I am destined to follow in my life.

After growing up around my grandfather, a Major upon retirement and World War II B-29 Navigator, I feel as if I would make my family and all those near to me proud by serving my country.

I am without a doubt ready to serve my country as a Naval Officer, and am prepared to perform my duties to the best of my ability and go beyond what is expected of me whenever possible.

 

[JORGE]

Seeking any assistance and feedback. NO MERCY!!!

-My drive and desire for a commission in the United States Navy is based on education, experience, and character. These aspects make me an excellent choice for Officer Candidate School and the AMDO designator. As a naturalized citizen, this country has given me more opportunities and privileges that I could have dreamed. Selection as a naval officer will afford me the opportunity to provide the leadership and guidance I have been so fortunate to receive as an enlisted Sailor. Earning a commission would be a tremendous opportunity to serve, mentor, and lead.

-My personal and professional goals are closely aligned. I am determined to seek greater responsibility as a leader and manager. This is my sixth attempt at applying at OCS. Now I find myself more determined than ever to fulfill my long term goal of becoming a naval officer. If selected, I will emulate the qualities of the officers I have served with thus far, and I know that I will inspire those with whom I serve.

-Multiple detachments and missions have greatly impacted and improved my abilities to be a naval leader. The knowledge I have gained through operational assignments, earning a master degree in Organizational Leadership, aviation maintenance and supply expertise, and my role as an enlisted leader has given me unique skills that create unmatched potential. These experiences have prepared me to confront and embrace the ever changing naval aviation environment, the challenges of reduced budgets, manpower, and logistical resources in the face of ever increasing fields of operational requirements and threat assessments.
Character is revealed in difficult times and my performance reflects this principle. Every obstacle I encounter is another chance to learn and an opportunity to excel just as I have done throughout my enlisted career. Commissioning as an AMDO will benefit the Naval Aviation Enterprise. I feel the time is NOW for my next move. I am confident in my abilities, and stand ready to embrace the roles of a naval officer. Regardless of the outcome of the selection board, I am a patriot and this dedication will not diminish any less. However, if given the opportunity to obtain a commission, I look forward to the unique challenges bestowed on this responsibility.

 

[SWOMan]

On top of all of this, my love of aviation has expanded continuously since my first instruction flight at the age of 15. My degree and flight experience since then has continued to build this ongoing love for the field, as well as serving on the Oklahoma State University flight team, being a member of the OSU Flight Club, and joining the OSU Aviation Fraternity. This love of flying and the discipline it requires fuels my desire to not only serve as a Naval Officer, but to try and be the best Naval Aviator I can be as well.

Without a doubt, being a Naval Officer is the chance of a lifetime for someone fresh out of college, the experience it offers is unmatched along with all of the opportunities it can bring forth. Coupling this with a passion for aviation leads me to believe that a career as a United States Naval Aviator and Naval Officer is the path I am destined to follow in my life.

After growing up around my grandfather, a Major upon retirement and World War II B-29 Navigator, I feel as if I would make my family and all those near to me proud by serving my country.

It is too late now to really make any changes.... but if you put down pilot and swo, should I have included my desire to be an aviator on my application? How limited will I be if I only my desire to be an officer, and what leadership characteristics i bring to the table? I never mentioned a specific role.

 

[BravoMyles]

My OR mentioned adding it in there, but not too much. He said that I may want to involve my love of aviation, but over anything my desire to be a Naval Officer is king. My OR is going to give me some feedback in the next day or so on my statement and I can let you know if he says anything about it in particular.

 

[SWOMan]

My or said it looked good, but this was when I was swo one. I changed pilot to number one after my packet had been submitted for processing. Now we just need a board date

 

[SWOMan]

Would love to get some more people's thoughts on my statement. Not sure how this will fair for Pilot since I never mentioned desiring aviation. Mind you I have other designations i'm applying to as well:

I am applying to be a naval officer because I want the opportunity to serve my country and give back. The United States of America has provided so many opportunities for my family and I. Having the chance to serve as an officer is an honor and a privilege. By serving as an officer with the United States Navy, I will have the opportunity to maximize my potential and deliver the exceptional results demanded of this role. I will do more early in my career, see more parts of the world, as well as develop into the best possible leader that I can be. I believe I share many of the characteristics the United States Navy is looking for as a candidate: I am analytic and data driven, I am goal and mission oriented, and I have a competitive personality.

Throughout the application process, there has been many opportunities to reflect on why I want to be an officer, and what leadership potential I can bring to the wardroom. As an officer, it will be my goal to help teams of fellow sailors become highly functioning units through superior leadership. Before applying to the Navy, I have had multiple opportunities early on in my career to gain leadership and technical skills that will benefit my ability to serve. While working in consulting, I lead an emergency room of twenty physicians, nurses, and emergency room technicians through a software and operations change conversion. Similar to the Military, their success or failure held people's lives at stake and failure was not an option. I have always taken great pride in the quality of my work, and believe this project reflected my ability as a leader to go above and beyond for my team. Near the end of the project, the hospital was subjected to an additional 8 week delay. My department had used all of their allocated resources preparing for their original software activation date. Taking it upon myself to oversee my department's success, I volunteered to remain on client site over the additional 8 week period. Working with management, we devised a strategy to host additional training sessions during the shift change at 5 Am 3 days of the week. This was on top of the 50 hours a week I was already working. The additional 8 weeks were used to our benefit, and we turned a negative situation in positive opportunity. This additional time gave my department a chance to continue their skills with the program and prepare the staff for their new activation date. My group's hard work payed off, and my departments conversion was a great success.

I was also blessed to have the opportunity to intern in the field of Investment banking. In Investment Banking I was trained to think analytically and develop the problem solving skills necessary to answer difficult questions based on available data. As an Intern, we worked with senior management to help drive deal flow. This involved creating company valuations, pitch deck power point presentations, and developing relations current and new clients. I also helped train my peers in the skill of financial modeling. Teaching them these skills helped our class function better as a unit. These experiences have helped shape me early on, but I believe that they are just a starting point as I look to continually grow.

Looking forward in officer application process, I know in my heart that I will reflect the core values of the Navy. Honor, Courage and Commitment mean everything to me. It will be an honor to serve my country, one that has given back so much and has enabled me to be successful. I will always show courage in times of peril and strife. It is only at times most difficult where a person's character is truly reflected, and I know that I will stand true in the face of danger. Finally, I am committed to serving the United States Navy and the people who serve alongside me. I want to help people who serve with me to be the best possible sailors they can be, all while improving myself so that I can lead through example. I'm ready to take the next step in my life; I am ready to serve as an officer with the United States Navy.

 

[Kraner]

Hello future officers! I am leaving for Newport in 3 days. When in your position I spent hours staring at a blank word document, thinking of things to write. I wrote 2 different statements (~450 words each) and combined them into one kickass statement. Here are a few pointers to get you started.

1.) Come off as an honest leader without being boastful.
2.) Relate your experiences as a leader to the Navy's Core Values and 15 Leadership Traits found in Appendix B (you'll need to know this word for word at OCS anyways).
3.) Show, not just tell, how you have built yourself to the person you are today and how that person is prepared to serve the Navy and specifically the designator(s) to which you are applying
4.) There is more to your package than this statement. Avoid putting in a bunch of facts that are already in your package.
5.) Basics - avoid fluff and be straight forward. No contractions, misspellings, and other improper grammer. I tend to tell a story in my writing. If you do, be sure to connect all the dots.

I applied for NFO once and was one of 39 (out of 81) selected. This is the statement I sent in with my kit. Other stats are found in my signature.




My journey, in becoming an Officer in the U.S. Navy, began in 2010. I had applied for the academy, and was not offered an appointment. However, I am still on the road today because I have endured. Endurance is an attribute that cannot be attained without first achieving complementary abilities. These include, but are not limited to: commitment, patience, and learning from failures along the way.

During my formative years family educated me about the Navy’s Core Values. Several friends and I endeavored to embody Honor, Courage, and Commitment as we established our endurance. Through 4-H, we learned that projects become enriched when we commit to completing them as a team. It took that community to foster my courage. They empowered a leader to emerge from the shy shell I occupied as a young child. At the conclusion of our commitment to 4-H, we had the honor of forwarding our values to future club leaders. For the Navy I will renew my embodiment of the Core Values as I study the systems of ships or flight and become an officer.

As I continue to refine my endurance, I have found the best part is not being selfish with it, but being selfless instead. In all aspects of my life I strive to help others enhance their own endurance. This is most evident regarding track. As a senior, a freshman wanted to beat my 1600m record. I informed him of the commitment it would require and he obliged to give his all. Together we worked hard through the off-season. But, at the first meet he went out too fast and crossed the line disappointed. We discussed what he could learn from this failure; it boiled down to patience. As the season was coming to a close, he had still not achieved his goal. I told him, “You have endured; time to show them”. 5min 16sec later, he did it. Because of this leadership I obtained a position as a volunteer coach. By organizing endurance focused off-season workouts, the freshman record has been re-set every year. I cannot take the credit for those individuals’ successes, but it is great to aid them in breaking barriers.

We never took a formal oath, but those 4-H friends are now serving in the Navy, Army, and Air Force. And that freshman, he is now a Marine. Living by the Core Values has improved not only my life, but those around me as well. With these experiences, and the others noted in my package, I feel I am prepared to take on the challenges of OCS. If selected, I look forward to extending endurance to my future team of Sailors.