Essay On Coast Guard Application

I respectfully request consideration for admission into Officer Candidate School. A commission in the U.S. Coast Guard represents the highest standards of leadership, of which it is my aim to achieve. As the smallest, most versatile branch of the military, it demands flexibility, a well-rounded perspective, and an understanding of diverse personalities and backgrounds. Above all, it demands discipline rooted in a sense of service.

2. From the day I decided to join the Coast Guard, I have learned and grown as a result of that choice. I came in motivated by a passion for self-improvement and a fierce determination to be self-sufficient. It took six months of disciplined effort to meet the weight requirements. I learned firsthand through that journey that I had a greater capacity within myself than I was aware. The only way to find my limits is to push them; the five miles that felt impossible then, has now become routine and expanded. I continue to apply this premise to all of my actions, sharing my experience by encouraging others on their own paths. The …show more content…
Above my professional and educational achievements, what sets me apart is my perseverance and positive attitude. As the survivor of a sexual assault, which greatly disrupted my life, I have learned how to overcome the traumas and setbacks in life. I have learned to take control of a situation, be proactive, and always maintain and invest in social connections. The people we have in our lives are our greatest assets, whether for expertise on topics we are unfamiliar with, or support in the face of trying situations. This, above all else, is what I have carried away from my experience. It is a core motivating factor to be an example for those just beginning, and to mentor and reach out to those around me. I did not allow that experience to defeat my goals; I persisted in the completion of my degree and beyond; I also found ways to positively channel my experience by helping others navigate their own