For most seniors, the plan after high schools is college.

However, senior Cory Murallo chose the United States Coast Guard Scholars Program as his plan. The path he has chosen includes: serving his mandatory five years in the Coast Guard upon graduation, start post-grad studies in Law, then either open a law firm or continues serving as an officer in the Coast Guard.

The United States Coast Guard Scholars Program is highly selective. Only 40 out of 2700 applicants are chosen each year to the Academy itself. So he must be nervous, right?

“Just a little. I’m excited and eager is more like it,” said Murallo.

Although he mentioned his family is a source of his nervousness due to the pressure to succeed, they are also a primary reason for his inspiration to join the Coast Guard. His grandpa served for 26 years as an enlisted man as well as his brother, who served 20 years.

Murallo wants to “follow in their footsteps, and, at the same time, receive a great college education.”

Murallo has prepared himself for the mental, academic, and physical challenge of joining the Coast Guard.

“I know that when I push myself and set my own goals, I will graduate,” said Murallo.