Raised in Northern California, Peter was just an 8th grade boy when he first knew he wanted to attend The United States Military Academy at West Point. It was the influences of his father and grandfathers that instilled Peter's passion to take the path of the military academy. And, let's just say . . . Peter's dream came true. As a third year cadet, Peter is majoring in Defense & Strategic Studies. We caught up with him to learn more about his inspiring life as a student at West Point, starting with what a typical day at the academy looks like:
Of the 4 military academies, why did you choose army?
I am a passionate, athletic and confident man with a warrior mentality. I want to serve our country and surround myself with classmates who see themselves in a similar light. This pivotal choice has been the best one I've ever made. It has changed every aspect of my being from the way I make decisions to how I carry myself in social settings. Each person needs to do what is truly right for them, however.
The best advice I can give a student considering attending an academy is to find out as much as they can about the mission of each service and identify which one seems most appealing. Additionally, starting the process as early as possible to maximize their exposure at each academy and taking the opportunity to get on campus with the cadets to ask questions is the best way to do it.Â
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Ultimately, where I am right now is exactly where I want to be. In five years from now I hope to be commanding troops abroad.
Â
What has been your personal highlight by joining the military academy?
The summer training opportunities have been amazing. In the three years I've been here so far, I have gone abroad in Poland with our NATO allies and completed Airborne School at Fort Benning in Georgia where I learned to jump out of C-17 and C-130 military aircraft.
What has been your biggest personal challenge at West Point?
Believe it or not, it has been the classroom work. Cadets are required to complete an engineering track in addition to the work entailed in their selected major.
Â
What do you think is most unique to cadets at the military academy?
No matter what occupation my fellow cadets and I choose for the military over the next five years, and then moving forward in life outside the military, the camaraderie between my classmates and I simply cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. That's pretty special.
Mantra You Live By:
"Make decisions and don't look back."
I live by this intonation because I believe it eliminates regret and encourages you to stick to your gut feelings.
Â
What Might Surprise People About You:
My hair is actually longer now that I joined the US Military. I had a buzz cut most of my life prior to joining the Academy.
Â
Running! It helps to keep me in shape and clear my head of stress.
Â