In 2249, Michael Burnham, having graduated at the top of her class at the Science Academy, applied to join the organization. However, the director of the group, disdainful of Burnham's Human origins, offered Sarek (who was supportive of Burnham's application) a choice – between Burnham and his biological son Spock; only one could be accepted into the Group. Sarek ultimately chose Spock, and told Burnham that her application had been rejected. However, Spock elected to join Starfleet instead, which rendered Sarek's decision futile and caused Sarek to feel a great deal of guilt at being forced to make the choice (and over having misled Burnham about her application). (DIS: "Lethe")