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West Point bound
Published 7:20am Thursday, March 18, 2010It’s always been Rose Saul’s dream to be a cadet at West Point Military Academy.
On June 28, Saul’s dream will come alive when she becomes one of 1,000 cadets chosen each year from around the country to join the ‘long gray line’ at West Point Military Academy.
The appeal for Saul has always been rooted in the tradition that West Point holds.
“There’s definitely an appeal to it,” she said. “(I like the idea of) being a part of a team, where you know you can count on everyone to do their part.”
Saul’s formal application to West Point started in November 2008. Considering West Point’s admission standards demand proven excellence in the areas of academics, leadership and physical fitness, Saul worked hard to prove herself in all three areas. Her application was also accompanied by recommendations from U.S. Sen. Al Franken and Congressman Collin Peterson. She also attempted a summer leadership program at West Point Academy during the summer of 2009.
Saul’s dream to attend West Point stemmed from her longing to play in the Army Band. That, paired with her patriotism and passion for science-based research, made West Point her first choice.
Saul’s activities have included economic state challenge, Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), drama club, track and field and band. In addition to track and field, Saul has also spent a great deal of time working out with trainers at the YMCA. Her volunteer efforts have included time spent helping with the VFW Walk of Flags and events at A Center for the Arts.
Though her schedule has been busy, Saul said she couldn’t have done it without the help and inspiration from her family, YMCA Trainer Tate Goeden, Teacher Terry Harrington and former schoolmates Liberty Smith and Hickory Smith.
Saul’s experience will begin this summer when she starts Cadet Basic Training, one of the country’s most grueling physical challenges.
The four years that Saul will spend at West Point will earn her a bachelors of science degree and commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Saul will then be required to remain on active duty for five years and inactive duty for three years.
Though the active duty portion of her service will likely require her to serve overseas, Saul says she’s not the least bit concerned.
“I can’t think of anything more honorable than dying for what you believe in,” Saul said.
Beyond her active duty, Saul said it’s her dream to make a career out of the U.S. Army. She plans to work towards her doctorate degree and pursue a position relating to genetic research for the military.
