College Essay- Joining the Air Force

Making the Right Choice I sit there in a small box-office. In shock with shaking hands, not fully realizing the choice I’m making. I stare at the man sitting in front of me, completely blocking out everything he says to me. I think to myself “Am I making the right choice? Will my family support me with my decision?” I admit I was scared, but in reality, this will change my life, and for the better. Joining the U.S. Air Force isn’t just signing papers and you’re done, it’s a long and stressful process of mental and physical strength. I still wonder if I’m fully prepared for this. Just sitting there, not moving, I think about my life, my future. “Sarah, are you listening?” but I don’t respond. The recruiter calls my name again, and I snap out of my trance. I look up at him and the man sitting next to me and they looked confused. They asked me if I was making the right choice for myself, but when I think about it, I second guess it. Not realizing everything until the time has come can make you really wonder. You start to question yourself, and sometimes even back out. I thought about backing out, until I thought of all the possible reasons not to. That’s what made me stronger. When people ask me “What are you going to do after high school?” I proudly say “I’m joining the U.S. Air Force” but if you asked me that question 6 years ago, I would of said something crazy as “I want to be the president of the United States!” We all had that dream when we were younger, remember? I grew up always wanting to please people, be an inspiration to at least someone. Now I finally can. Knowing that people in this country will look up to me and have faith in me, it makes me feel like I can conquer anything in my path. It gives me hope to keep going, no matter what my obstacle is and to never back down. Surrounded by my family, I wonder what I say first, how I start the conversation. Everyone is having a great time, laughing, eating, while I sit there starring at my food. Out of nowhere I blurt it out. The room went silent. The only question I get from my family was if I were telling the truth. I was. I look around and all I see are smiles lighting up the room. Just realizing saying five simple words could be so hard, not knowing if it could make or break your family. The last thing in this world is having my family disappointed in me, with the choice I made, and knowing that they could say one thing to me and my mind would change. But it didn’t and never will. I have faith in myself finally. I never did before. I never believed in myself either, not enough to make up my mind on joining the Air Force. When I made my choice, I didn’t notice how hard it would be, especially for my mother and father. When they told me that they support me with my choice and will be behind me through every step I take, that’s when I gained confidence in myself. Because of my parents, I learned that it makes things less stressful in your life, knowing you have a support team beside you your whole life. I’m thankful that my support team includes my parents, even if it will change their lives too.