“This summer, I attended the United States Naval Academy's Summer Seminar,” said Georgia.  The Summer Seminar is a selective program with an application process that opens each January.  She decided to apply, given her interest in a military career combined with a desire to row in college, and the Naval Academy program seemed like a good fit. “I spent one week at the Naval Academy and had a preview of what life is like as a midshipman,” Georgia explained. On a typical day, she woke early in the morning, worked out, attended classes, practiced drills, and participated in evening activities. Initially, she was anxious about the food and physical fitness requirements, but she found she was prepared for the challenges she faced. “Summer Seminar taught me how much of what we perceive as physical strength is really mental fortitude,” she shared. There were instances where she encouraged her squad in endurance drills and found herself embracing the discomfort. “Despite this being such a rigorous schedule, I had a great time,” she added. “It was hands down the best week of my summer.”

Georgia also participated in a Hillsdale College program, where she could earn three Interdisciplinary Studies credits at Hillsdale with the possibility of these transferring to another accredited undergraduate institution if accepted. “I attended Hillsdale College's high school summer program, Western Civilization: Visions through Italy,” Georgia stated. She was influenced to apply by her sister, Lilly Faye ’24, who went to a Hillsdale course when she was a student at St. Cecilia. “My older sister attended a similar trip and had a great experience,” she said. Georgia’s program began at Hillsdale College in Michigan to learn about the history and culture of the sites they would see in Italy. The remaining two weeks she spent in Rome, Pompeii, Venice, and Florence, touring historically significant buildings, churches, and museums. 

Thank you, Georgia Kraemer, for sharing your summer story with us!