Hailing from Martinsburg, West Virginia, MIDN 1/C Nicholas Shirley is a Quantitative Economics major currently serving as the 2nd Battalion Executive Officer (XO). Nick’s desire to take on the Battalion leadership role is due to the belief that midshipmen have a responsibility to support one another through the “crucible” of the Academy. His path to Annapolis was a testament to his own resilience; after not being accepted out of high school, he attended West Virginia University and participated in Air Force ROTC before successfully reapplying to USNA to pursue his goal of leading Sailors and Marines. Nick’s time on the Yard has been defined by a commitment to challenge and adventure. An avid outdoorsman, he is active in the Mountaineering and Scuba clubs and has even summited Mount Fuji. His favorite memory at the Academy was the solemn privilege of participating in the funeral of former President and USNA graduate Jimmy Carter while his company served as Color Company. This past su...