Burroughs High School senior Andrew Bui — an accomplished student-athlete, musician, and campus leader — has been accepted into the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), setting him up for even further success.
“My aspiration for USAFA started when I was just a kid,” said Bui. “College was always one of my long-term goals, and growing up as a first-generation Asian-American in a military town, I wanted to pursue an education where I would receive a world-class education while also being able to serve my country. I felt that the best institution to do so was the United States Air Force Academy.”
The chance to experience the distinctive opportunities that come with attending this academy is an exposure that Bui is grateful for.
“I feel mostly ready and prepared for the unique opportunities and challenges at USAFA,” said Bui, who has taken Burroughs’ most rigorous courses while excelling at orchestra, swim and cross country. “I learned that one fundamental attribute that is expected of military officers is adaptability, meaning they must be able to operate in diverse environments and navigate through obstacles in the face of uncertainty. I feel that knowing and practicing this concept in my daily activities allows me to feel prepared for the cadet life at USAFA.”
As he prepares to head to Colorado Springs, Bui is enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead of him.
“I am most looking forward to meeting decorated cadets who’ve all gathered from across the country to contribute their service,” said Bui. “At the service academies, you will develop a camaraderie across a diverse group of cadets that will last pretty much your whole life. I also look forward to the exclusive educational opportunities (STEM-based research opportunities, study-abroad programs, etc.) that you can only find at USAFA.”
Attending the USAFA will position Bui for his next goal — as a nuclear medicine physician.
“I am strongly committed to providing exceptional healthcare to military personnel and ultimately to my country,” said Bui. “To achieve my future goals and aspirations, I hope that the prestigious science/chemistry department at USAFA will equip me with the necessary technology and advanced skill sets to pursue healthcare to the best of my ability.”
Successfully applying to a service academy is an arduous process. For those students considering it, Bui has some advice.
“Start early,” Bui stresssed. “This applies to your application, your physical fitness, and the kinds of activities you participate in during your high school career. First, strive for clubs, extracurricular activities, and sports that display both your passion and role as a leader, as service academies look for ambitious individuals who actively lead their peers. Second, aim to get started on your application mid-junior year. Unlike any ordinary college application, you will need things like nominations and physical tests to complete your application. Lastly, start networking. Ridgecrest is full of knowledgeable individuals who can not only teach you a lot about the service academies but they can give you essential connections that will serve you extremely well for pretty much your whole life.”
Bui offered some final words of motivation to aspiring service academy students.
“Don’t let the slim chance of admission to the service academies discourage you from applying,” said Bui. “It will serve you well to try than to not try and never succeed.”
