Air Force Bound; Riley Olson

Riley Olson is a senior at Watauga High School who will be attending the United States Air Force Academy after graduation. Photo Credit: Riley Olson

Sofia Peviani, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

Before Watauga senior Riley Olson imagined herself in the United States Air Force Academy, she was learning the skills of operating a saw mill and how to stay calm beside falling trees. With intense physical labor, Olson helped operate the crane on her father’s sawmill. As trees fell down, Olson learned how to juggle several things at once; it was an experience that made applying to the Air Force feel achievable.

“So I think that was a moment where, while I was applying to the Air Force Academy, I was like, I can do this,” Olson said.

Now, Olson is preparing to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where she will begin basic training in the summer before entering a college experience in the fall. Combining academics, military, and leadership experience, Olson’s decision to commit to the USAF was not only based on where she wanted to study but also the person she wanted to become.

Olson’s path to the USAF was not straightforward. Before opening her acceptance letter, she had her sights set on the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. But when she checked her email, she found a rejection letter from the Coast Guard early admission. Directly beneath that email, however, was a nomination from Virginia Foxx for the Air Force Academy. 

“So I felt like it was meant to be because it was right,” Olson said “I was honestly just in disbelief because there are so many qualified people that were applying, and I was just honored that I got in.”

Applying for the USAF is a tedious process. Before becoming an official candidate, students need to go over a Preliminary Questionnaire, connect with an Admissions Liaison Officer, and secure a nomination from a U.S. Representative or Senator. Once deemed a candidate, students go over the full application, including essays, teacher evaluations, transcripts, and a full list of their extracurricular activities. To show physical rigor, students must complete the Candidate Fitness Test, which consists of six events including pull-ups, a mile run, and a basketball throw. The admission rate for the USAF is ~12%.

Olson was drawn to the sense of unity, physical challenge, and commitment that USAF offered. Having a father who served in the special forces inspired her to pursue a future in the military.

“I think I've always kind of wanted something more, like I've enjoyed the classes and the extracurriculars,” Olson said, “but there's not necessarily the sense of unity that I was looking for as opposed to the military academies.” 

With so many possibilities in the military, students can pursue over 30 majors, including Engineering, Behavioral Science, and Humanities, alongside military training, Division I athletics, and specialized airmanship programs like flying or parachuting. Olson is interested in economics and possibly languages with a long-term goal to help underdeveloped countries. 

“I think a lot of times people think the military is like, no other options, but I think it's such an amazing opportunity and a lot more people should pursue that path,” Olson said.

I-day (In-processing Day) is considered a high-stress, high-paced transition day where accepted students officially become cadets. Appointees are dropped off, given their uniforms and equipment, receive a military haircut, and, after taking the Oath of Office, they start their six-week bootcamp program.

“I'm excited to meet the other Cadets and go through I-day with them,” Olson said.

Basic training starts in June, where for the first six weeks, incoming freshmen go through Basic Cadet Training, where they transform from civilians to military cadets. 

The transition will also mean giving up aspects of high school. Olson said cadets will give up their cell phones during basic training, and cannot wear civilian clothes during their freshman year.

As Olson prepares to end her senior year at Watauga and pursue one of the country’s most demanding college paths, the process has already begun to transform her. The Air Force is not just the step after High School, it's a step towards becoming the person she sees herself becoming in the future. 

“I'd say that I'm capable of more than I thought I was,” Olson said.