Hi everyone! I've been prowling these forums for a good 5 months now and finally decided to properly introduce myself!

I'm Corinne, and I'm a 23-year-old artist from New Orleans! I graduated with a bachelor's degree in visual arts/graphic design last spring and have been stuck in that odd limbo between college and a career, just trying to figure out what I want to do. I'm a painter and illustrator and have done lots of freelance work in the past year (exciting!), and I've also been working at an office for several months (not so exciting).

About 8 months ago I decided to get in shape, start running, and start watching what I eat. At first I just wanted to get "CG Fit" and reach a point where I could potentially pass the PT test. Well since then I've dropped ~30 lbs and gotten in the best shape of my life, but something else became more important. Somewhere along the way, that original goal became a genuine desire to join the USCG. I've always liked and respected the CG; my grandpa was a Coastie and a CWO4 for over 30 years. Other than that, though, my family isn't militarily involved. My decision has really come as a surprise to my loved ones, but they're really proud and supportive.

So here I am at the beginning of the process! I know it's long and arduous, but I'm determined. I've already spoken to my recruiter and gone through the first round of paperwork. We were supposed to meet in person for the first time tomorrow, but he had to cancel at the last minute. We might reschedule for Friday or the beginning of next week. I'm antsy, but I know he's busy and that I need to be patient! I've fallen in love with the PA rating and would be thrilled to eventually bear that title! Honestly though, being a member of the USCG in any way would fill me with such pride.

Sorry for the essay, but I tend to ramble when I'm excited! I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who provides feedback and information on this forum. It's been an invaluable source of information for me for the past few months!

Welcome aboard. I lived in Slidell for a few years, I sure do miss the area and especially the food. Good for you for getting in shape and working towards a goal. Best of luck with everything. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away. That's what we are here for.

That's exciting! It's nice to see someone with a similar background to me. Same age, English/writing degree, female here. It's reassuring that other artsy-fartsy people join.

Thanks for the welcome, Old Guard! Slidell, nice! The food is DEFINITELY something I'll dearly miss when I leave, but it will make visits home that much sweeter (and spicier, haha). It's hard to imagine life without crawfish boils but I know I can manage. And thank you, I'll be sure to ask any questions that come up.

Hi smashingly! Yay, a fellow artsy gal! How far along in the joining process are you?

I'm meeting with my recruiter in person for the first time tomorrow morning and I'm super nervous, but excited!

I leave for basic next week. I'm glad that you're excited! Did it go well?

Oh wow, it's coming right up! Good luck at basic! I'm sure you'll do well!

I just got back from my meeting and I am ecstatic over how well it went! And things seem to be flying by pretty quickly for me; I was pretty stunned when my recruiter said I am going to take the ASVAB/go to MEPS on the 16th of this month! Wow.

Congratulations! That is really great news!!!! I hope you pass both with flying colors.

What an awesome outcome your CG Fit goal produced...excellent in the weight loss and physical conditioning...very excellent!

Welcome and enjoy your journey!

Thank you, both of you! I haven't felt this determined, excited, and certain about what path I want to take in life in a long, long time.

Just a little update:

I got back from MEPS today and am sleepy but very happy and relieved to be done! I did well on the ASVAB on Monday, then went through all the physical/medical stuff today. It wasn't the most pleasant thing in the world but it was far from traumatic. I passed everything and got the stamp of approval and am good to go!

Things are moving right along! Woo!

That is a great stamp to have...awesome for you!

Really awesome job on getting in shape! You seem super upbeat and excited, so I hope it all pans out in your favor Best of luck!

Thank you, guys! I'll update if anything major happens.
Thanks for the well wishes!

So I have an update!

My recruiter e-mailed me to let me know that he has requested a boot camp reservation for me: November 27, 2012! It's so surreal and exciting to finall have a concrete date to count down to! He also informed me that I will be returning to MEPS on September 25th to swear in. So it looks like everything's falling into place, though it still doesn't seem fully real!

Many congratulations but remember this is a request for the date. The reservations people might come back with a week earlier or a week later... so keep your options open around that whole general time frame. I think they generally get what they request but sometimes it is a week or two off one way or another. But hey, just having him say he submitted for the reservation, that is complete grounds to celebrate and be excited!!!

Way awesome...enjoy every moment!

Thanks Old Guard! Yeah, I'm definitely keeping that in mind. I know the 27th may not be my exact date, but at least I have some vague idea of when things will begin for me. That alone is exciting! Even the fact that my recruiter requested a reservation for me is wonderful and humbling!

And thanks to you too, captkyguy!