Senior Adam Gottlieb recently committed to the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point in New York. This is no easy task, as only 12% of its applicants are accepted and many young men and women across the country are fighting for a spot at this prestigious academy. 

Gottlieb decided that West Point would be his future dream when he was only five years old. As a kid, he read many novels about history and the army, and immediately felt like he was meant to go there. “I wanted to do something that was both important and difficult,” Gottlieb said. He has always enjoyed learning about history, and he was also president of the debate club which is one of his favorite extracurricular activities. 

Being an American is very important to Gottlieb. He values the freedom and opportunities that he has here, explaining that his grandparents and other ancestors were not as wealthy or in the best living conditions. “It’s only in America that their descendants could have the quality of life that I have today” Gottlieb said. This is just one of the reasons that makes him want to defend his country despite how much time and dedication he will need to pursue this life goal of his.

Instead of money, West Point asks for several years of service from each of their students in exchange for the intense training that they provide. Gottlieb commented on this saying that he is nervous about the new and possibly intimidating environment that comes with a military academy. Gottlieb adds that he will really miss his friends and family from Hillsborough because they have helped him get to this point in his education, and he is going to miss the mountains and hiking spots that bring him peace in his hometown. 

When asked what he is excited about in his future, Gottlieb said he can’t wait to meet people from all over the country who have different ideas and experiences, and he is excited to serve the country that he admires every day.