One of the hardest things for a New Cadet or a Plebe is to keep your sanity under all the pressure. The advice very frequently heard — and it's good, as far as it goes — is to try to see the funny side, the ridiculous in things as much as you can. When I was a Cadet, I had a tough time doing it, and looking back, it was the single preponderant factor in my not making it thru my 4th Class year.
Written by a Cadet during his days at West Point, week by week on the heels of what he was living thru, the Diary of Ducrot Pepys immediately became a Corps favorite: it has helped many cadets put things into perspective and keep their sanity. I wish I had known of it and read it before my own time as a Cadet.
Last month, on investigation, I discovered that (a) the little book was not online anywhere, and (b) it is out of copyright. I've therefore rushed to put it on my West Point site. Although it sits among a pile of other more sober books and articles on the Academy, it still may be the most useful thing for a plebe, a candidate, and even a young person considering applying — who can get a feel for the aggravations, ahead of time.... A few things have changed, of course, but not that much.
Written by a Cadet during his days at West Point, week by week on the heels of what he was living thru, the Diary of Ducrot Pepys immediately became a Corps favorite: it has helped many cadets put things into perspective and keep their sanity. I wish I had known of it and read it before my own time as a Cadet.
Last month, on investigation, I discovered that (a) the little book was not online anywhere, and (b) it is out of copyright. I've therefore rushed to put it on my West Point site. Although it sits among a pile of other more sober books and articles on the Academy, it still may be the most useful thing for a plebe, a candidate, and even a young person considering applying — who can get a feel for the aggravations, ahead of time.... A few things have changed, of course, but not that much.
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