By: Karen Jackson

Pristine gardens, wonderful architecture, lovely views and a bright and cheery village surrounding; these are what any college freshman would love to walk into on their first day of a brand chapter in their lives.  Did I fail to mention the miles of secret underground tunnels, John Paul Jones’s tomb, a gorgeous cathedral, hectic schedules, a long history of prestigious graduates and an honor code that even the FBI couldn’t break if they tried to? Well then I guess I’ve only begin to describe the US Naval Academy.

What can I say about my summer? Well, what can anyone say about one of the most amazing opportunities they’ve been fortunate enough to have in their young life?!  This summer was full of crazy opportunities that I was able to take, but perhaps the most amazing was at the very beginning of what now is like a blur.

My first adventure took me to the famed halls of the United States Naval Academy for the one week Summer Seminar.  Leaving right after the US History Regents, my 7 and a half hour car ride down to Annapolis, Maryland was full of anxiety and wonder about what would greet me early the next morning.  Of course, like any trip you wonder if you packed enough, or too little, who will you meet and how will those people be, and more importantly, as I was walking into the campus gates after being checked by an MP, I was wondering if I would make it for that week in what is also noted for its toughness.

The US Naval Academy has been my dream school for as long as I can remember.  The outstanding opportunities it brings to its graduates aren’t the only reason why the school is famed.  The people who graduated from the very ground include the likes of Presidents of the United States, famous reporters and even Montel Williams (Betcha didn’t know that one!).  More importantly though, the US Naval Academy is famed for the type of graduates it produces.  Its graduates are dedicated, honorable and more over a leader of leaders. It’s even in the Mission Statement!

“The mission statement of the United States Naval Academy is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of Naval service and have the potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.”

Nowhere does such a long line of great and influential leaders come from both in the military and our own society.  Their ideals and strong dedication to their students create a student body that in turn, raises the bar, if you will, on how much one can achieve.  Their faculty is made of 50% civilian and 50% military teachers all with Doctorates or higher and all are willing to help a student whenever needed wherever needed.  The great academic atmosphere mixed with the undeniable strict moral and character makes an almost surreal experience.

For anyone planning on visiting the campus, it’s best to do so early in the spring.  The weather gets to be around 90 or higher in June with humidity always a sure thing.  The town around the campus is also a great place to visit while waiting for or coming back from a tour and don’t forget to try a lesson in sailing on the Potomac River (you’d have to call ahead of course for both the tours and the lessons.)

Any questions or comments, let me know!  As always, life’s a trip, so travel it!