Aryn Simmons has a lot more push-ups in his future. This summer, he’ll become a West Point cadet, a dream he’s worked for years to achieve.

"It's always just been West Point and a few colleges on the side," said Simmons, a Pine Bush High School senior who always wanted to serve in the Army.

From researching the United States Military Academy to completing countless documents and even receiving his political nomination from Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, it's been a long road to get here, but the dream is what has kept him going.

"Simply, the fact that I want to be there. It's my goal. It's my dream school. I set the goal early. I told people 'I'm gonna go to West Point,' so I’m gonna go there, and I just decided to do it," said Simmons.

When he got the acceptance letter in the mail, he was ecstatic.

"My happiest moment, knowing that my parents are proud of me after years of them putting the heart, sweat, blood, tears into making our family get to the position where everyone can succeed, including me and my sisters. Knowing that I'm doing them justice, it just makes me happy," said Simmons.

Simmons said his tight-knit family is a major part of his success. They stood by him every step of the way, whether it was helping him practice for the fitness exam, or just supporting him through the tough days of the application process.

"I think it's been truly exceptional considering where Aryn came from, because I can remember when he was 3 years old and he wasn’t even speaking yet, so initially, we were very concerned with him in school, making sure that we got him the right services, speech therapy," said Alicia McDonald, Simmons' mom. "And here we are now with an honor student graduating, going to the most competitive school, or one of the most competitive schools in the nation, West Point."

According to U.S. News and World Report, West Point’s acceptance rate is currently only about 9%.

"It just feels great knowing that I got into the academy and not everyone has the same opportunity. I'm gonna take full advantage of it, and use it to the best of my ability," said Simmons.

He will graduate from Pine Bush High School on June 24. A few days later, on June 27, he’ll leave his old life behind at West Point’s annual Reception, or R Day, a symbolic day when a student transitions from a civilian to a West Point cadet.

But for now, Simmons is enjoying time with his family, staying fit and looking ahead to his future.

"You just got to see it. I saw myself being there and throughout the hardships, multiple failures, I still got there. The moment you think you can't get in, that’s when you won't," said Simmons. "You got to have the mindset, the willpower to go beyond your limits."