From fellow students

For many, Thanksgiving is time off with family. It is for Naval Academy students too, but for some, it’s also time to spread the word.

A special program called “Operation Information,” or “Op-Info” for short, gives students of the United States Naval Academy — called midshipmen — a longer Thanksgiving break if they agree to talk to high school students about their experiences in Annapolis, Md. As part of the program, two of them also took the time to make a presentation to the Costa Mesa Lions Club on Tuesday.

The program works very well to get the word out, said Nick Madigan, who coordinates the academy’s information program in the area.

“This is a great opportunity for us to, in programs such as this, put candidates in front of actual midshipmen — actual students,” he said. “They seem to relate a little better, and the kids are more comfortable asking them questions.”

Former Corona Del Mar High School student and Midshipman John Money is now in his senior year, and will begin his five-year commitment to the Navy as soon as it finishes. His area of specialization, nuclear surface warfare, will ultimately put him on a large aircraft carrier or similar vessel. He’s been speaking at his alma mater, as well as Sage Hill School and other local schools.

“A lot of people around here don’t really know about the academy because it’s on the East Coast,” he said. “People are definitely interested.”

Nothing has challenged him like the academy, he said — from high-level engineering courses to the heavy physical training. Harder still was when he broke a leg during an obstacle course his first year, or facing interviews for a future position by an admiral, Money said.

“I know Marine Corps officers who, after six months of training, are shipped to Iraq,” he said. “I don’t think any of the civilian schools out there train you to take on this level of responsibility.”

Irvine High School graduate Jennifer Nielsen has been on a similar track, talking to students throughout this part of Orange County. She too faced injury in school — broken heels after a long fall — but called the tough life an incredible growing experience that brought her closer to her classmates. She recalled a superior who brought her a portable fridge when walking to get food was too difficult.

“I was really independent and used to relying on myself,” she said. “But there, you’re required to work together and to compromise, to function as a unit more than anything else, even any sports team.”

MICHAEL ALEXANDER may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or at michael.alexander@latimes. com.