Many people will probably recognize me from AW. I have been applying for SNA since August 2021. I have been turned down 5 times but each time I made sure not to give up on improving my kit. I spent the last 3 years doing whatever I could to get selected. Like you, I have put more than blood, sweat, and tears into this opportunity. You have no idea how many people apply once or twice and give up. Perseverance will pay off tenfold. DO NOT EVER GIVE UP and do whatever in your power to get selected even if that means waiting years.
It is so difficult when things occur that are out of control like you described but trust me everything is an opportunity to learn more and a way to improve yourself each time. Stay positive and keep on sailing (had to insert a pun at some point). If it makes you feel any better, I screwed up my ASTB not only once but twice. My third attempt was 49, 6/7/6 which is good but it is not competitive compared to people who get 50+ 8/8/8 or even with straight 7s . My GPA was 2.7 with a BS in General Business. I have a private pilot's License. I could have given up but I refused and I knew what I wanted and what I was passionate about. Each time I got Pro REC- N, I made notes and made a game plan on what I could do to stand apart. I went back to college and retook classes all that I could from my undergrad degree to improve my GPA, then I went to grad school and completed an MS in Aeronautics while working. In the midst of all that, I continued to network with senior grade officers for mentorship and LORS. While going to grad school I also made time to study and complete my instrument rating for my PPL. I did all of this within two years and HELL YA I am proud of myself for my accomplishments and it's something that can never be taken away from me. My thought was "Even if I do not get selected, I still have proven myself to be someone who can be a leader and an asset no matter where I go".
I really thought this last board was going to be my last board to apply to because I was literally running out of things to add to my kit but look what happened. PRO REC-Y for SNA. I was so happy when I heard the news that I cried. I cried because yes I was happy because I got professionally recommended for my dream job, and I saw that my hard work had paid off finally but mainly I cried because I do not have to worry about applying to another SNA/NFO board and the extreme stress that comes with it (which we all know about).
Surround yourself with positive people and do not forget about your family because the Lord knows I couldn't have done it without them. Think about the Navy's core values. Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Some people may think that those are just three words that are just an annoying motto but they really do mean something if you are applying them in your life. The next time you are feeling down, think about what those words mean to you and how you have applied them to your own life to achieve your goals. Remain motivated and inspired and great things will happen!
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