Her lifelong dream of exploring space is well on its way to coming true. However, she wants to first start by serving her country.
In early January, senior Alejandra D. received her "offer of appointment" that guaranteed her a place at the United States Naval Academy to major in aerospace engineering. When she takes her oath and is inducted on July 1, 2009, Dorado will be that much closer to fulfilling her aspiration to be a naval officer.
"It is important as individuals and as students to understand that within high school and through out our lives it is possible to realize any aspiration or fulfill any passion we strive to achieve," Alejandra D. said.
An appointment to The United States Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is a prestigious honor. In order to be considered for admittance, a student must be considered "of good moral character." A student interested must begin the application process in January of their junior year in high school. They must first apply for pre-candidacy. If they are accepted, they may be selected to attend a summer seminar that takes place at the base in Annapolis.
After the seminar, the student receives a candidate package. The package, which requires teacher recommendations, a personal statement, a Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and a letter of nomination, is more demanding, but similar to, a college application. The letter of nomination must be obtained from an official source, limited to a United States Representative, two United States Senators or the Vice President of the United States.
Alejandra D. received her letters of nomination from Senator Joe Lieberman and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
The last part of the application is an interview with a "Blue and Gold officer." The officer, appointed beforehand, talks to the applicant about who they are, why they are applying to the Academy and gets to know the student. The "Blue and Gold officer" also speaks with the parents. At the end, the officer submits a report to the Academy about the qualifications of the applicant.
"The Naval Academy is seeking highly motivated well-rounded applicants who excel not only academically, but also in athletics, leadership and service," Navy Captain Stephen B. Latta said. "If you have a strong will to achieve, desire a real challenge and want to be a leader serving your country, the opportunity of a lifetime will be offered to you."
In July, the training, also known as "plebe summer", will not come easy but will not come as a surprise either. This past summer, Alejandra D. attended the seminar in Annapolis. The seminar lasted a week at the base in Maryland and included living on campus, training and presentations about possible majors. She will take the aeronautic track in her major and will also minor in physics.
During "plebe summer", Alejandra D. will attend a basic boot camp. It consists of both physical and mental training. Plebe summer ends in mid-August, when classes begin.
"The training in the summer turns regular citizens into mid-ship men," Alejandra D. said. "[Plebe summer] is very difficult; the plebes are put through various mental and physical challenges."
Graduating from The Academy mandates a minimum of five years of active duty in the Navy. Alejandra D., however, wishes to expand that service by taking a pilot slot. This is a separate program from the Naval Academy.
"Becoming a fighter pilot requires two years of training and a minimum of ten years of service," Alejandra D. said. "You also have to apply for the position; you have to be at the top of your class because the program is very competitive."
Though the curriculum and physical fitness will be tough on her when she leaves for Annapolis, Alejandra D. looks forward to her future.
"I know that my dream and passion are the path; my determination is the map; my perseverance is the key and the Naval Academy is the place where I will be able to grow to my fullest potential," Alejandra D. said.
"I can grow as an individual, as an athlete, as a student and most importantly, as a leader in the United States Navy."
Being a member of the Naval Academy has been a goal for Alejandra D. since middle school. When she was six, she wanted to be an astronaut. Her major and minor will help her become what she has always dreamed.
Being a member of the Naval Academy has been a goal for Alejandra D. since middle school. When she was six, she wanted to be an astronaut. Her major and minor will help her become what she has always dreamed.
"In my far-off future I want to apply to NASA," Alejandra D. said. "I really put a lot of thought into my future and since eighth grade have dreamed of attending the military academy."
At Law, Alejandra D. played on the soccer and softball teams for two years and is an active part of the band. She is a current member of the track team.
At Law, Alejandra D. played on the soccer and softball teams for two years and is an active part of the band. She is a current member of the track team.
She also participates in Civil Air Patrol, which is a cadet program run by the United States Air Force for youth to learn about aerospace and leadership.
Through high school, Alejandra D. has had to learn how to prioritize and manage her time. She explained that her sacrificial free time helped her focus on studies in order to build a strong character. However, she maintained a balanced life, including friends and sports.
"If you are passionate and really strive to reach your dream, the opportunities and experiences you will go through during the journey will develop your character and build you into an individual who is prepared to face all of life’s challenges," Alejandra D. said.
"The school provides you with the tools you will need but it is up to you to take advantage of the opportunities you are given and take the most you can out of each of them; create a standard; have zero tolerance for giving up and one hundred percent motivation for giving your all in everything you do."