I turned down MIT to choose a little-known college my mom wanted me to attend. Not everyone understood my choice.

Hannah Mitchell is studying marine engineering at the Merchant Marine Academy. Courtesy of Hannah Mitchell Hannah Mitchell chose the Merchant Marine Academy over MIT and the Naval Academy. Financial considerations influenced Hannah's choice, offering freedom in military or civilian roles. Despite initial doubts, Hannah is thriving at the academy and says she doesn't regret her choice. This as-told-to essay is based on conversations for our Boot Camp video series with Hannah Mitchell, 18, a student from Denver studying marine engineering at the Merchant Marine Academy — the only federal service academy where graduates can pursue a civilian maritime career rather than immediately entering active-duty military service. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. When I was deciding where to go to college , I had several options I was excited about, including MIT and the Naval Academy.