So Here's the Whole Story:

I know I let everyone know that I didn't actually get selected this time around for my Physiology program, but since then I've gotten the actual email traffic regarding how it all went down and new details have come to light. As you'll see below, first, I found out that they said really nice things regarding my package and basically made it seem like they were going to do everything they could to get another slot open in the fall to take me then. Read:

We have confirmed the results of the 43A Aerospace Physiology Direct
Accession Board and want to notify you that:

SrA Sarah E. Root was picked to be the 1st Alternate.

In the event the primary is unable to be accessed or additional quotas
become available, we will notify you immediately that her status has changed
to a primary for APO commissioning.

This was a difficult board with SrA Root competing extremely well despite
being so junior to the military.  Her standing is an obvious testament to
her academics, performance, commitment and maturity.

We are hopeful we can secure an additional quota to commission this
exceptional candidate to the Aerospace Physiology career field later in the
Fiscal Year. 

So as you can see, great things! Then this morning, I had a little more email traffic sent to me which contained this little gem:

FYI: The only thing that prevented SrA Root from being selected as our #1
was timing - her name didn't make the "scroll" (DoD process for vetting
commissioning candidates) in time for this selection and subsequent training
flow (i.e. COTS in March and AOP Officer Course in July).  I asked AFPC to
get her on that scroll; they estimate it will be July at the earliest.  As
Mr. Smith stated, we're hoping our career field will receive a fallout quota
later this FY.  If we do, I'll work with AFPC to bring Sarah on board in
late Fall to prepare her for our summer 2014 AOP Officer Course. 

During our interview, she definitely solidified her reputation as a "shining
star" (to use your words).  :)  Thanks for your (and her Sq/CC's) support
in letting her apply.  Here's hoping for a fallout quota!

Meaning, I WAS the #1 choice, but due to admin personnel crap with "timing," they couldn't take me at this time. As they say in the military, timing really is everything. It's unfortunate, and kind of bittersweet to hear, but at the same time I can't be unhappy at the kind things they've said about me, and the hope it gives me for this fall. Looking at the silver lining, me not leaving now gives my unit more stability at this time, and it also gives me a few more months to travel EVERYWHERE. So I'm going to hold my head high knowing I did the best I could have possibly done, and there was nothing more I could have done to be selected. It wasn't my fault. I sent a thank you email to the board members I've been interacting with to let them know I really appreciate all the info and insight in to the selection process, and I was assured that I just have to wait for my time and try again. Not too bad news after all. :)

Interview Success!!!

I had my long-awaited interview for my commissioning package today and I honestly don't think it could have gone much better! I was given good info beforehand that the individual interviewing me would be nice and easy to talk to, and he was exactly that. From the get-go I felt at-ease somewhat because he didn't make it like a grilling, but more a nice conversation. I think I was honest and candid with my responses, and I think he liked what I had to say. I even made him laugh (pretty hard actually) a few times so that's always a great sign!! I had well-thought-out questions for him at the end which I got the impression that they impressed him, and I think I closed the interview very professionally and thoughtfully. Overall, I'm super happy and excited because I know I gave this my 100% best shot. I may not have been the ideal candidate from an educational background standpoint, but I think my strong letters of recommendation and great interview will put me at the front of the pack (at least I hope they do).

I don't think there are many others that I'm up against, it seemed like only a handful, so that's always good. He also said that it will be a fast turn-around if I'm selected. I'll find out in a couple weeks, at the beginning of February (good or bad), and if it is me that's selected, it's likely that I'll be out of here in March! Depending on class availability at Commissioned Officer's Training (COT) of course. He's hoping to get the new selectee in the March COT class, then on to Wright-Patterson in OH for the actual Physiologist school by July. Then the best part, he's aiming for the new Physiologist to go to Pensacola, FL for their first assignment! What a sweet deal!! I'm just so excited and optimistic at this point, and I really hope to get good news in a couple weeks. If not, I'll just keep trying and hopefully one day that glass slipper will fit! =)