Raphael Li: Air force

Like most seniors, Raphael Li will be attending a four-year university next year, but his choice is slightly more unique than most others. Li has decided to attend the United States Air Force Academy for the next four years after being recruited for their D1 fencing program.

As one might expect, the process for applying to the Air Force Academy isn’t as straightforward as a normal university. “I got recruited and then I had to get a congressional nomination from Anna Eshoo because she’s the representative of my district,” Li said. “After that, I had to get interviewed by a lot of military people and get interviewed by the Academy. And then after that, I just submitted my application with my academics and essays.”

The differences from other universities don’t just end with the application process. “The Air Force is one of the most diverse universities because only two people from each congressional district can attend at a time,” Li said. “Even before everything, we have to go through basic training, which is six weeks of military training. Also, for the first year, we have to have buzz cuts and wear uniforms. The

Air Force is also free but after the four years of school, we have to serve in the military for five years.”

However, like most other seniors, Li has a lot to look forward to for the next four years. “The thing I’m looking forward to most at the Air Force Academy is obviously fencing against college competition but other than that, I’m looking forward to hearing speeches from very impressive people from all around the world that come to the Air Force. Last year, Elon Musk came to the Air Force to give a lecture, which I think is pretty cool.”

—Written by Kenneth Soh