Going to school at the United States Air Force Academy is an experience. Four years of college combined with learning how to be in the military is not a walk in the park. For those people who make it to senior year (also called being a firstie) all look forward to becoming an officer one day. Here are four things that can sum up our lives in our last year:

1. Leadership

USAFA is called a leadership laboratory because of the way it is organized. Firsties are the ones leading the cadet wing for the school year. From the time we entered basic training, we have always looked up to the firsties as being so knowledgeable, powerful and cool. At least now that I am finally in my last year, I realize that most of the time we actually know nothing. Granted I have three years of experience but there are always those questions I don’t know the answer. Most of us don’t even have that much power, but our ideas can still make a difference in the future.

2. Friendship

This is the year to strengthen those friendships that have come out of three years of struggle. We need to make the most of living with our best friends, because after this year our real lives start. Friends that have spent four years within 10 minutes of each other may be split up across the country or even across the world. Take advantage of being able to go on vacations with them, going to concerts and doing amazing Colorado things together.

3. Panic

Holy cow. This is it. We have almost everything that we looked forward to since the very beginning. It’s beyond surreal, but we have worked hard for it. We have had sleepless nights, early mornings, cold winters and hot summers. We are also in charge(refer to 1); when just three years ago we could barely even remember the names of our cadre.

4. Decisions

In the next few weeks I will have to put in my job preferences for my time in the Air Force, however long that will be. I’ve had three years to decide but now that it’s so close, I’m nervous. Talking to all my friends who have graduated before me, I get excited for my life to begin. What if I don’t get the job I want? What if I don’t get a good first base? To be honest I have those fears, but I know from my experience at USAFA that most cadets can turn an uncomfortable situation into greatness.

Fellow Firsties- We are almost there! Keep pushing, don’t lock yourself in your rooms but also don’t do anything to jeopardize the amazing future we have been working so hard for. For all the other classes- thank you for putting up with us. We are learning and working to make this year great. Enjoy the time you have at USAFA, it goes by quickly and you will miss the time you once wished away.