Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) Marshfield High School senior Jared Cordova will be heading to West Point this summer.
Cordova, the son of John and Roxanne Cordova, didn’t always consider the military, although his father was an OR Tech in the Army Reserves.
The idea of being able to do work of great importance drew him in that direction. “I’ve always loved being a part of something bigger than myself,” he said.
While researching colleges, the military academy became a top choice.
“My college search has always been very major-focused. I’ve always wanted to study international relations/foreign affairs,” he said. “When I was looking at the best schools in the country for that, West Point always popped up and that led me to investigate it more. I ended up realizing that overall, it is an excellent school.”
The process of applying and getting admitted wouldn’t be easy, as West Point accepts only about 10 percent of its applicants.
Starting the process last spring, Cordova began by answering a simple questionnaire and writing several essays before meeting with his recruiter in mid-May. In early August, he received a letter from West Point which stated he would be accepted to the academy, if he received a nomination from a congressman.
“I was very surprised and very humbled,” Cordova said of finding out he was accepted. “When I started my application in March, I had the mindset of ‘let’s see how far I can make it,’ not really thinking I would make it all the way.”
Cordova needed to submit three more essays, three letters of recommendation, a list of extracurricular activities, and testimonials from three teachers about their experiences with him in the classroom.
“In all, I probably wrote a dozen essays, maybe even more,” he said.
He was also required to pass a physical fitness exam, submit transcripts, and fill out a second questionnaire. “I was told the fastest time my recruiter ever saw the portal completed was six weeks, but with the support of my parents, I completed it in three weeks,” he said.
After an interview by a panel representing former Representative Sean Duffy, he was informed two days later, on September 23, that Duffy had nominated him.
Cordova received his official letter of acceptance in early February and will notify his recruiter and the academy of his plan to attend.
R-Day, or reception day for new candidates, will take place July 1 before training begins.
Looking to his future career, Cordova said he would love to work for the U.S Department of State.
“My mom’s friend works for the State Department, and we have visited her several times on her assignments. Those moments early in my life really influenced me to pursue this,” he said. “After West Point I’d love to go to grad school, and then see what the world has in store for me there.”
His dream job is to one day become an ambassador. “That has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” he said.
Author: News Desk
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