We can reverse the curse of children dropping out of school, by constantly reminding them of the opportunities education can afford them. Children with a solid education become the world’s next generation of leaders. For me, the leadership formation was affirmed at the training grounds of the United States Naval Academy (USNA).
The mission of the Naval Academy is “to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government.”
To achieve its mission for mental development, the Naval Academy has a solid history of technically-focused academic majors. USNA has consistently ranked in the Top 5 Engineering schools in the nation and in recent years, the Naval Academy has taken up the mantel to expose students to technical majors through their Summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program. It may take a while, but educating our young people and giving them a technical foundation is an invaluable tool to turning our economy around and providing consistent health and grow to it.
Find out more about the Naval Academy’s STEM program and application here.
As a means of encouraging the young people about the wonderful opportunities a solid education, technical background, and military career can offer, take them to see Red Tails, motivate them with this video clip, or share Zerbin Singleton’s story. Against all odds, Zerbin is an example of what young people can become when they trust in God and focused when pursuing their goals. Please allow me to reintroduce Zerbin Singleton.
Why did you attend the Naval Academy?
I had a dream of flying and becoming an astronaut. I was interested in aerospace engineering. I was also interested in a great football program. I wanted to go to school for free and wanted to be among the best.
What was your academic major at USNA?
Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Astronautical Engineering
When did you graduate? What did you do after graduation, and what are you doing now?
I graduated in 2008 and was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. I’m a Marine Corps a pilot and I fly the CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter. Currently, I’m stationed a Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA.
Why should young men and women consider the Naval Academy?
Most of the time, science and math are introduced to students in classes they don’t like. If they are not exposed to technical majors in the right environment, they think it’s boring. I believe having a technical background is interesting because it shows you how everything works (take the mechanics of a car for example). The world today has heavy concentration on math, science, engineering, and technology. This is why children need to be exposed early and often in new and exciting ways. The Naval Academy STEM Program offers this opportunity and that’s why I would encourage students to apply. It’s fun!
Here’s to building young leaders. Go check out the Naval Academy’s website and sign the young people up. Also, please feel free to share information for any other programs that serve the purpose of teaching and training young leaders.
© Natasha S. Robinson 2012
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
They did pretty well with you too, Tasha.