USAFA interviews| friends edition

[@ashleesue]

I typed in USAFA to see what videos were out there on YT, I started to watch yours. I didn't attend USAFA. I knew after HS that I didn't want to lock myself into 4 more years of school so I, having always wanted to join the USAF...enlisted. I have no regrets. I was an enlisted fighter crew chief. I never took SAT's, knew I'd never have the smarts to get into a prestigious D1 school such as USAFA. I know the course load is hard, the having to play sports adds to the time commitment and I'm sure all that plus the military stuff just adds to 4 years of drag but before you know it you'll be out on Falcon stadium throwing your hats up and away you go into the wild blue yonder of the Big AF. I've heard via the sub-reddit for the USAF on reddit that "it's a good school to be from but not one to be at". I worked w/some decent USAFA grads and some not so decent ones. My advice after doing a 20+ year stint on AD and reserve is find a good SNco to latch onto for guidance and learn. We know you're an officer, you don't need to flaunt it into an enlisteds face. Listen and learn and earn their respect, you'll get rank respect but the rest has to be earned. Looks like from these videos that once your through BCT and freshman year it's a normal college experience and somewhat fun. I can only hope my daughter sees the stuff I accumulated from countries I visited and the things I did and wants to seek out an appointment to USAFA, we'll see. It'd be awesome to see her go there. Sigh...anyway, best wishes to you and the lifelong friends you'll make there.

[@nicholasbrians254]

Zoe I appreciate these. I'm finishing my application, and these honest takes are really helpful and eye opening. Also, that was probably the best list of questions you could have picked.

[@ZoeIwu]

Awe I’m glad these help in some way honestly :) that just made my day

[@jates2000]

Cadet Iwu, thank you for these videos. I really enjoy watching them. It’s interesting for me to see how much the Zoo has changed over the years, especially during these crazy Covid times. Can you do a tour of the buildings in the Cadet Area? I would love to see how everything has changed. For example, Vandenberg Hall with the mail room, C-store (is it still there?) barbershop, ski shop. What do all of these little places in 1 building look like now…etc, etc. I’m also curious to see what you were issued as a Freshman. Uniforms, computers, etc. Regards, JT Jose (USAFA Class of 1994)

[@ZoeIwu]

Thank you! Yes the zoo has changed a lot even from when the seniors now were freshman and my freshman year! All those shops are still there in vandy!

[@leviferrell409]

I look up to you guys so much, I’ve been wanting to run track at the academy for so long and I cannot wait to set my spikes on that sky blue track.

[@ZoeIwu]

Awe thank youu 🥺 I promise you will!

[@yasminbegum4581]

I wanna join usafa as international students so please make a video on how international students can get into usfa easiest way....

[@cheese55431]

U Bangladeshi :D?

[@yasminbegum4581]

@@cheese55431 no...India . Andaman Island

[@sydneylanigan4657]

How does it work playing or participating in D1 sports at the academy? Is it the same experience as everyone else? Is it more selective for sports than most D1 schools? I appreciate your videos!!!

[@ZoeIwu]

Since everyone here is on a scholarship from the academy, people who do sports here usually do it because they want to rather than having some people just on the team because they are on scholarship

[@ayyjayy2583]

I have a few questions. One of them is: are you able to bring your own clothes, laptops, and personal items when you arrive to the academy?

[@MarkWusinich]

You are able to, but it is not recommended for students in their first year. There is a packing list, and you should stick to it pretty closely. There are lists available when you get closer to I (inprocessing) day for what might be suitable additions (sports bras for women, etc..). As your time at the Academy progresses you gain the right for more freedom (they mention Recognition day, that is a big one) when you can have more personal items.

[@ZoeIwu]

For basic training no but once accepted into the wing and recognized, you can bring all your personal clothes and everything else :)

[@whosthis1230]

If you don’t mind me asking, what was your class ranking percentage in high school?

[@heemjerry]

Do yk anyone wanting to do architecture after usafa ?

[@jtd0430]

Hey Zoe, I was wondering if when you apply to the USAFA, does it matter if you have an advanced regents diploma or a basic regents diploma?

[@ZoeIwu]

I don’t know what those mean but I went to a standard public school in Texas and my diploma from there was fine if that helps at all

[@cheese55431]

Hello Zoe! Did not see you in a while so I will start off for this comment with how are you right now? And I wanted to ask you this forever. Where do I go first? In the Air Force base and the academy is in the base? And the famous bus ride is where? To where? Where it waits for the cadets? I really hope you answer me soon it would help me a lot. Bye!

[@cocoschanel5047]

I LOVE your videos! Do you know anyone trying to become a doctor right after USAFA because that’s my dream?

[@ZoeIwu]

Yes I do!! I know a lot of people aiming to go the medical route!

[@lilywelborn8583]

Did you do rotc in high school?

[@ZoeIwu]

No I didn’t

[@joshwhite6164]

are guys allowed to have earings

[@ZoeIwu]

Yes, just not in uniform.. lol don’t quote me though, but I’m pretty sure that what it is