She nodded. "Yes. The Violettas are a cadet branch of the Rosettas, who control significant amounts of property north of Canterlot. My family could afford to purchase me a captaincy in an infantry regiment, but I wanted a formal education as well, and they refused to pay for both." Pursing her lower lip, she shrugged. "I chose to attend Canterlot University for three years, earning my Honors Bachelor of Arts with a major in history, then enrolled in the Academy -- which is free for qualified candidates possessing such a degree -- to graduate as a ordinary Lieutenant Junior Grade."