Getting into the Air Force Academy is no easy feat, for Miami Lakes Educational Center student Emily Norat it took six essays, a physical exam, a fitness test (taken three times), and four interviews over the course of a year.
Given the rigorous and long process to apply to the Air Force Academy, one might think this was a lifelong dream for Norat, however, it all began with her older brother’s interest in enlisting. Because of this, her father invited them both to meet his friend who worked in air traffic control.
What really sparked her interest was visiting the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy. Witnessing how goal-oriented the students were and how much they value education and integrity convinced Norat to apply.
“They have this saying: ‘We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate anyone among us who does,’” she said. “You see cheating all the time, but there [in the Air Force Academy] they don’t tolerate it, they’re really strict about it. The knowledge you have should be yours.”
She met with Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who after meeting Norat, was willing to nominate and recommend her to the Academy.
She had been working on her application since November 2015 and it all paid off when she was called down to principal Loudes Diaz’s office. There, Diaz revealed that she had good news and put the phone on speaker. It was Diaz-Balart calling to let her know that she had received an appointment into the academy.
“I was in shock, I just immediately started crying. Mrs. Diaz was tearing up and she said she was proud of me.”
For Norat, being in the military changes everythin – as someone who is passionate about the medical field and helping others, it’s important to her to be able to serve people and her country.
Again, she quoted an Air Force motto: “‘Service before self and integrity in all we do.’ To me, integrity means a lot. It’s something I hold close to my heart because I find it shameful when I see others taking work that’s not theirs.”
Though Norat had many doubts during the application process about whether or not she was making the right choice, she feels like there’s always going to be doubt about the things you do.
In June, Norat will graduate with honors from MLEC as a certified pharmacy technician, just a few weeks before she has to make her way to Colorado to start training. She will be the first student from MLEC to be accepted into the Air Force Academy – a huge honor.
Still, she remains humble and has committed herself to getting in shape before she has to go through six weeks of cadet training. After that, it’s a nine year commitment to the Air Force.
“I’m not dropping out. I’m mentally preparing myself so that I have the mental strength to overcome any physical obstacles that are in my way,” she said.
As for what happens once she’s in the academy, Norat only knows that she wants to work her way up past second lieutenant and eventually work in the medical field.
“I don’t want to have a plan because it could go either way and I want to be happy no matter what happens.”