During my sophomore year of the Air Force Academy, I was presented with a lot of opportunities. I applied for a language immersion program and I was given the incredible opportunity to go to Germany for 3 weeks. I also had the opportunity to be sent to an operational Air Force base for 3 weeks to learn about career options. Most people get sent to a base outside of Colorado (where the Air Force Academy is) and see new places. The assignment that I got was Peterson which was about 30 minutes down the road. I remember being so angry when I found out. I felt so sorry for myself. Why did I draw the short end of the stick?

I called my dad, something I usually do when I'm upset. I vented to him about. He listened and didn't talk until I was done, but when I was he asked me "Aren't you going to Germany this Summer for 3 weeks?" I paused and said yes. Then he said to me "Well Brandy, you can't get all of the good deals."

I reflected on his words for a moment and I realized that he was right (go figure, huh?). I'm seriously getting the entirety of my college paid for, I have a secure job after college, I was being sent to Germany for 3 weeks and I was sitting there moping over the fact that I wasn't being sent to a base in another state. I was acting so silly and entitled. Boo hoo I'm getting paid to go to Germany to learn German for 3 weeks and I'm so unlucky that I didn't get the base I wanted to go to. I'm ashamed of the way I acted, even though it was only for a short period of time.

Sometimes I catch myself doing this still. I applied this year for a Semester Abroad in Germany, but I didn't get chosen. Of course, I was really disappointed. But again, my father's words echoed in my head "you can't get all of the good deals." In all honesty, I'm so lucky for all the privileges that I have. I'm going to the Air Force Academy for crying out loud! SUre, it's okay to be disappointed. However, it's very important to be aware of the opportunities you have already and the opportunities to come and be thankful for them. Being able to apply for these programs is a privilege in itself. I'm so grateful for where I am at and I wouldn't change a thing.