Seth Estrada and Desmond Fields, two 17-year-old martial artists from the United States Karate Academy (USKA) at Liberty Station, are soon to embark on a life-changing journey. Both have been accepted to the prestigious United States Naval Academy’s summer seminar, despite having traversed rough waters. Estrada and Fields follow in the footsteps of their USKA?chief instructor, Sal Convento, a graduate of the Naval Academy and former naval aviator who beat many odds with drive and determination. “As an immigrant from the Philippines with a language barrier, and as the 13th child in a family of humbles means, it took everything I had to persevere,” said Convento. “It took a lot of discipline on my part. I tell my students that nothing is unattainable if they are willing to dedicate themselves.” Estrada took that advice to heart and turned his life around. After a difficult childhood, and after traveling back and forth to live with separated parents in different states, he buckled down at school and in his community. He said he took on leadership roles that helped him realize his potential. Estrada said he has come to terms with himself, and has gained self-control and discipline. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m striving to do better in all things,” said Estrada. “I’m adamant about respectfully representing the United States and I want to make a positive impact on the future of my nation by setting goals to reach my fullest potential as a naval officer, aviator, and civil/structural engineer. I’m grateful for this chance and for everyone that supports me.” When Fields heard that he was accepted to the summer seminar, he said it was a dream come true. It was a difficult and emotional process to overcome barriers, Fields said, because as a child he endured other children picking on him and calling him “small and not smart” at school. “I want to be looked up to, to be invoked with a sense of power and vigor that no common man wields,” said Fields. “Without USKA, my parents and my friends, I don’t think I would even have had a chance at getting accepted by the Naval Academy. I’m really excited that I am going to be able to show what I’m made of. I now know with enough dedication, discipline and desire — the desire to succeed —anything is possible for anybody.” The United States Naval Academy summer seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience for high achievers who are interested in serving their country as an officer and who have completed their junior year in high school. The program is broken into three sessions that began May 30 and end June 19. Summer seminar teaches about life at the Naval Academy. Attendees stay in Bancroft Hall (the dormitory in which all Naval Academy midshipmen live). They eat in the dining hall, participate in academic and leadership workshops and experience a variety of other activities on campus.  Getting accepted to the summer seminar isn’t an easy task. Estrada and Fields needed superior high school standing, strong SAT/ACT results and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Acceptance letters were only sent to candidates who demonstrated achievement in athletics and extracurricular activities, especially those that demonstrate leadership qualities. Candidates also must exhibit a positive attitude and self-discipline. This is a competitive entry program because interest outweighs hosting capacity. From thousands of applicants from all over the world, only 750 or so are accepted to attend each session and are expected to work harder than they’ve ever worked before. They are expected to push themselves beyond their old limits because becoming a midshipman is unlike freshman year at a civilian college. Young men and women make a commitment to live a military lifestyle. They take an oath of office, promising to be loyal to their country and to defend it if necessary. They agree to be honorable in everything they do and say. “This really gives me a great feeling to know that these two excellent guys have this chance,” said Convento. “What a great opportunity for Seth and Desmond to prove themselves,” he said. “At USKA we strive to be the very best that we can be and this is the epitome.”