GoArmy92 … this is very vague and I do not see a question.
So I am going to ask questions to help flesh this out - not so much for you as I do not know your situation - but for others that read these forums in the future.
1.
'Throughout your time at SMC' -
Well, GoArmy92 …. how long, specifically, have you been at an a SMC?
If you are a Rat, Knob, Fish future readers should understand the perspective vs 2 years into the school.
2.
When it all comes down to a boil it is because I wanted an active duty commission
When someone uses language like
'it boils down to' that is called a 're-frame' I.e., you are reframing the argument from why you asked to attend the SMC in the first place to what you are now stating is the 'real' reason
This cognitive dissonance is the process through which we humans rationalize a change in our behavior instead of simply saying 'I do not like this and want to do something else'
So … have you changed your mind and no longer want an Active Duty Commission? Or … ?
3.
"I have not thought hard enough if the academics suit me"
… that sounds … like fluffy language and vague.
So, let's ask:
- are you doing well in academics (i.e., good grades) but do not like the coursework?
- do you dislike the academic major?
- do you dislike the professors?
- what basis of comparison do you have to other academic programs to really know how whichever program you wish to transfer to is a better fit?
4.
I am thinking about switching schools (where the program I personally want to get into best fits me) by the end of this semester
Okay … thinking or doing?
And if you are in the process of doing this -- How are you going to switch programs by the end of the semester given it is middle of the semester now?
So, what is the
REAL reason you want to switch?
5.
but at the same time I am aware of the fact that I will be in a regular AROTC program which I am fine with
This amazes me … you want to leave the SMC yet manage to make other ROTC units sound like 'less than' at the same time! Wow.
No kidding - you come across as willing to lower yourself to a 'regular AROTC' program (by the way, which ones are the Irregulars? )
If a PMS at a 'regular' AROTC unit read this why would he/she want you at his school?
6.
I just regret the fact that I did not put enough thought as to why I should or shouldn't come to this school.
Understatement of the year.
Okay. Here is my advice.
I) Talk to your PMS and detachment asap. Seek counseling (Chaplains, Counselors, someone/anyone you trust)
Please do not throw away this once in a lifetime opportunity because of how you are 'feeling' in a down patch.
SMC graduates all share the hallmark of not letting their 'feelings' drive their decisions. We learned to not make major choices when at the top … OR the bottom.
II) Get real about your reasons.
Either you did not know how to convey what your real reasons for wanting to leave are … or you do not want to come out and just say it.
BUT:
- If you are struggling with academics - 'fess up. Ask for help. It is okay to struggle. You would not be the first nor, by any stretch, the last.
- For many that come to a SMC they are used to being the best & brightest and the concept of struggling is … nothing they have
ANY experience with. So if you are struggling … welcome to the club. Just. do. not. stop. Ask. for. help.
- If you do not
like how hard it is as a Knob, Rat, Fish, whatever -
Admit it.
Truth is, none of us that graduated from SMC's thought it was 'Club Med' (Well, maybe you cats down at the Citadel
)
Seriously, few, if any, of us would do it again. They simply are not fun places compared to "Wattsmatta U" BUT we are glad we did it the first time.
So, if not liking how hard an SMC is - is the issue, You have a choice: - Either suck it up. Or ask to leave.
You do not have to like how hard it is. You just have to endure it.
BUT be clear about that being the reason, if in fact it is, if you leave.
III) You have been chosen by the United States Army in the depths of its largest drawdown to receive an Army ROTC scholarship to a SMC. That is extraordinary.
Please understand how many people would give their eye teeth for that privilege … and you are …. heck, I do not know what you are doing.
But, without looking in your eyes, hearing your voice, and seeing your situation first hand it sounds a lot like you are … letting short term pain (whatever your real issue is) drive you towards making a long term decision (leaving a SMC) which you may come to regret more than you can imagine years hence.
So … Slow down. Seek Counsel. Get Clear.
In the words of carpenters … measure twice, cut once!