Gymaniac

Wow...has it really been 3 years? It's funny to look back and see that I've posted an entry at this time for the last two years. But man, three years of college down? It doesn't seem like its been that long at all.


Here's a snapshot at what my graduation tracker looks like today. It's so nice to be able to see so much more beach than snow. So much has happened this year and there is so much that is about to happen. I've ordered my class ring which I'll get in August; I've got my cow loan ($35,000); and I've got my car (finally!). Cow year was exciting but there is a lot to look forward to now. I am spending my first three weeks of summer at Walter Reed doing Physician Shadowing. I am going to be a Platoon Leader for Cadet Basic Training, finally on the flip side of the most memorable summer of my life. Then, on leave for the last block, I get to take the MCAT in preparation for application to be accepted into the Medical School Program here at West Point. It's going to be a busy summer but also extremely rewarding. Med School Program selections get made in September, and I am praying that I get accepted. That is what I truly want to do and feel like I should be doing. I'll prepare as best I can and leave the rest up to God and His plan for my life.

Firstie year is just a few short months away. One more year of college, and one more year of college gymnastics. That last one is a scary thought. Knowing that the one thing that I have done almost my entire life is about to come to a close is very bitter-sweet. I'll definitely never leave the sport fully but I am definitely going to miss it. I have every intention with making next years competition season something remarkable and I think we are all ready to do it as a team. It's time for Army Gymnastics to retake our place in the spot light.

So much to look forward to in this coming year, its exciting. I'm ready.

Last night, at about 11:00pm, it was announced that the US Military had successfully lead an attack that ended in the death of Osama bin Laden. This is going to another one of those days where I will never forget where I was when I heard the news. The only other day that stands out like this one was September 11, 2001, the day that the World Trade Centers were attacked and nearly 3,000 innocent Americans were killed by a plan crafted by bin Laden. That day was truly one I will never forget. Sitting in my 5th grade Math class with Ms. Roddy, I remember the principal coming over the PA system telling us what had happened. I went home from school and watched the rest of the day unfold like some horror story. The images and reactions from that day is something that will never leave me. It has now been nearly 10 years since that day. 10 years of the US Military painstakingly searching for the man responsible for these attacks. For years he was somehow able to escape capture and it seemed that we would never find them. But if there is one thing that I know now, it is in the determination and persistence of our military. The men and women of the US armed forces never gave up, and never lost sight of the mission at hand. Their dedication to the mission and years of hard work were finally rewarded yesterday. Seeing this and understanding what took place only affirms my belief and love for the US Military and makes me even prouder to be a part of it now. I am honored to be a part of such a dedicated and loyal profession that will stop at nothing to keep its word to the American public to ensure that we stay safe and enjoy the freedom that we often take for granted. I am proud to be a member of the US Army and a citizen of this great nation.

Being able to share this moment here at West Point with my fellow cadets was also something I will never forget. To see and hear the excitement around the Corps last night was unlike anything I have seen. Between the cheers, the singing, and excitement of the night, it was apparent that we were all extremely proud of our fellow service members and praising their continued hard work and persistence in this on-going battle. We are all eager to go out and serve our country as they are and cannot wait to be a part of such a great and honorable profession.