One of my son's options is enlisting in the Air Force. He's already initiated that process to the point where he basically just needs to complete MEPS and sign a contract. But we have an absolutely amazing recruiter who advised my son that a lot of things happen during senior year. We were prepared for #2 to enter the Delayed Entry Program back in October but the recruiter encouraged him to keep his options open and see where they lead -- with the knowledge that a good option with the Air Force is already in hand. He has several offers to play soccer in college (mostly at the Division II and III levels). In a couple of weeks we are planning to visit the coach/program that has expressed the most interest and given the best overall offer so far. #2 says that enlistment is still his preferred choice -- and the visit is to a Division III school located six hours away from where we live. But I've encouraged him to at least go there and listen to what they have to say. I have three boys overall and he is very much the textbook "middle kid" -- even though we try very hard to avoid that term. Aside from the family connection to the Air Force on my wife's side, this process is pretty reflective of his determination to forge his own path. With regard to my other sons, my oldest never had any desire to attend any school besides Virginia Tech -- even though he had several other impressive options. Thanks to an Early College program he received his bachelor's degree just a couple of weeks shy of his 20th birthday. Stayed in Blacksburg, currently working on his master's, and absolutely loves it. 100% Hokie through and through. My youngest is currently a sophomore in high school. Completely unique individual in his own right, but similar to my oldest in terms of academic plans. He's also applied to Early College and Tech is his first choice for finishing his bachelor's -- although he's a bit more open to other options than my oldest was. Given his intended course of study I expect that he will also wind up in Blacksburg. (Assuming he's admitted. He definitely _should_ be based on his numbers and profile -- but admissions seems to be more and more of a crapshoot at VT compared to others.) ** Edited by Hokie Fiji at 2/3/2024, 1:43:04 PM ** Edited by Hokie Fiji at 2/3/2024, 3:04:41 PM