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LEWISTOWN -- With graduation behind him, former Mifflin County High School student Cory French looks forward to beginning his journey through the United States Air Force Academy. This highly attributed service academy has only a 12% acceptance rate and is extremely competitive.
French said he received word of his acceptance into the Academy this past January, after a grueling application process that began in the spring of his junior year.
The process included standard elements of a college application such as letters of recommendation and academic records. It also consisted of interviews with Air Force and government representatives, as well as proof of involvement in the community.
"It encompassed many aspects of my life. It was very thorough," said French.
French chose this path because he feels as if it is his duty to give back not only to his community, but to his country. "I will have the opportunity to not only help and serve others, but to also be a leader to those around me," French stated. "I am looking forward to making a genuine, positive impact in the lives of others."
The next step in this path will be Basic Cadet training, which will begin June 28 and last six weeks. After this training, French will be balancing college courses and military training at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, with an end goal of becoming a Combat Rescue Officer.
The role of a Combat Rescue Officer is to prepare and lead a team to evacuate others from dangerous situations. French plans to work hard towards achieving his goal of helping others.
Even though French knows it will be difficult to be away from his loved ones for so long, he is planning to adjust by working hard and staying focused on his aspirations. He also realizes that the other members of his squadron will be facing the same feelings as him, likely being homesick and missing those they love most. "We will all be enduring the same challenges and we will support each other," shared French.
While French is away, he knows he will have the support of his loved ones and his community, which he is grateful for. French is looking forward to using the skills he learned throughout various activities to better himself in his future endeavors.