Plebe Venting
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Parent1stTimer
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This is a wonderful and authentic post! I'm proud of you! "Greatness lives in one who triumphs equally over defeat and victory" -- John Steinbeck
Both the things that you are tired of and the things you enjoy help create balance and motivation to improve. Proud of you!
Both the things that you are tired of and the things you enjoy help create balance and motivation to improve. Proud of you!
Old Navy BGO
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> Yep, sounds pretty normal to me.
Very true...but they really do go or are forgotten after 39 years !
Sorry not going to get a lot of sympathy from old grads here !
USNAhopeful2025
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This is such a great honest look at plebe year!! You are doing great. Hang in there and know we are all so proud of you!! Every year at Usna gets better! Yes some things still are hard and you will be tired of them but remember nothing that is hard to accomplish comes easy! I have a 2C getting ready to have surgery next week and she is really trying to stay positive and in the right frame of mind. Everything at the academy is your mind set. Make the decision to find positives everyday just like your list of “I love” and you will be just fine!!!
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I think everyone who was ever a Plebe had these experiences and takeaways from it. I think that's why the upperclass continues to "pay it forward" and make Plebe lives - shall we say difficult - during the AC year. There is a real possibility that a lot of Firsties will look back to Youngster year as the best, because they weren't constantly hounded by upperclass and they didn't have a lot of responsibility, yet.
It's sort of the "sweet spot" of the whole not-college experience, there.
It's sort of the "sweet spot" of the whole not-college experience, there.
MaryKatherine
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Disclaimer: I am not an alum. I have a son Class of 2020. While at USNA he was always appreciative of his experience while recognizing the pain. He and his team went away for grueling spring break training late February 2020, but never returned to Bancroft. That was it. He spent the remainder of the semester at my dining room table, taking classes online (new and not very sophisticated systems) to include Practicum for his upcoming service. It was tough. One day after class he was having a call with his 3 roommates, all of whom were at home doing the same. The convo turned to recalling their last night together in Bancroft, and that at the time they had no idea that would be their last night together. Acknowledging their deep connection and the sadness that their time together was over was so poignant and heartbreaking. Everyone has their story of the spring of 2020 and I only share this to remind you that your time and experience there is a gift and it will be over before you know it. Hang in there. Good luck with Sea Trials and Herndon.
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Our DD finished the Spring semester of 2020 in “lockdown” at NAPS … then headed for Plebe summer 2020 (Class of 2024) wearing a mask …. It’s all bitter sweet … I’m crying tears of Joy right now.
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As others have said, some things go away after plebe year or even after graduation and some will stay around longer. Remember, part of plebe year is to PURPOSEFULLY create adversity and stress to overcome experiences/challenges you will or might face as a commissioned officer. I think you would find most alumni would agree with you when it comes to "it sucks" - but learn to "embrace the suck" - start thinking how to turn the negatives into positives; I listed below how some of your "complaints" are still things you will face in the fleet. Most officers I know don't stay in the Navy/military for the work or because of some of the below issues -- but because of the people they get to lead. You are almost done with plebe year -- next year you get to start leading some plebes as a youngster and your scope of influence will only grow in the out years. When it's been a challenging day due to work or circumstance, what normally gets me going is just walking about and seeing how hard and well the Sailors are performing or just inquiring about their lives (you will have this opportunity as a youngster). While there is a lot of suck now, think of this as helping you prepare for the fleet and life skills (yes, might be easier to say than do) - some of this you might actually experience/see during your summer training. I would also be worried if you weren't complaining or venting as a plebe -- it's absolutely normal.
Edit: also wanted to add that youngster year is what YOU make it to be; you can be the youngster that hibernates in their room and is rarely seen OR you can decide to be engaged and mentor/lead plebes.
Edit: also wanted to add that youngster year is what YOU make it to be; you can be the youngster that hibernates in their room and is rarely seen OR you can decide to be engaged and mentor/lead plebes.
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I remember the stories from you and my other internet friends. Moldy meat, running out of food, etc. Not a good time.
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Back in my day our lack of AC was the worst lack. I think we had double lack. It was awful.I read that OP and thought to myself "said every Plebe, ever."
You sound like an impressive Plebe. More likes than dislikes is a win in my book. I can't say I've ever been in your shoes, but it seems like you're getting to the finish line. You will one day look back at this and in my opinion, you should be very PROUD of what you have accomplished and you will find your people. Just know that you are not alone and I would bet that many are going through feeling this way. It's okay to feel sad, mad, and frustrated, but also take time to be proud of putting yourself out there, asking for support, and all that you have accomplished to get there, to be there, and to move forward! You got this!
Go Navy!
️
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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To all of those affected by Covid and lockdowns, as this spans several classes. I applaud you.
For me as a mom, I secretly and privately dreamt of IDay, and Parent weekend. The thought our kid might actually get the appointment nod was such rare air. Didn’t allow myself to believe it.
Then it happened. And due to life in a pandemic it all went to hell.
DS did 38 days of quarantine and iso plebe summer. Then the academic year came. Boy what a treat that was.
168 days in between dropping him at the curb at an airport to report for IDay solo, and Christmas break at the same airport. This momma needed her hug.
Post that, and the struggles that came with lack of food and supplements and nutrition (not blaming DoD, their budget was fixed years in advance of the pandemic), these kiddos are commissioning. They and their families, professors, mentors, advisors, chaplains, roommates and sponsor families have pulled long shifts supporting these awesome young men and women.
I digress. Getting close to commissioning has me weepy eyed and reminiscing.
For me as a mom, I secretly and privately dreamt of IDay, and Parent weekend. The thought our kid might actually get the appointment nod was such rare air. Didn’t allow myself to believe it.
Then it happened. And due to life in a pandemic it all went to hell.
DS did 38 days of quarantine and iso plebe summer. Then the academic year came. Boy what a treat that was.
168 days in between dropping him at the curb at an airport to report for IDay solo, and Christmas break at the same airport. This momma needed her hug.
Post that, and the struggles that came with lack of food and supplements and nutrition (not blaming DoD, their budget was fixed years in advance of the pandemic), these kiddos are commissioning. They and their families, professors, mentors, advisors, chaplains, roommates and sponsor families have pulled long shifts supporting these awesome young men and women.
I digress. Getting close to commissioning has me weepy eyed and reminiscing.
usna1985
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I agree COVID was tough. Hard for those of us not there to appreciate
Just keep it in perspective. Consider our now departed shipmates from WW2. Class of 1942 graduated Dec. 19, 1941, six months early. Other classes did 3 years or less. No vacation because 4 years had to be crammed into 3. Class of 1945 skipped their 2/c year entirely to graduate early. And all went directly to war. Many died, some likely before they would have graduated in normal times. They came home when the war ended. Earlier only if wounded — or dead.
Just keep it in perspective. Consider our now departed shipmates from WW2. Class of 1942 graduated Dec. 19, 1941, six months early. Other classes did 3 years or less. No vacation because 4 years had to be crammed into 3. Class of 1945 skipped their 2/c year entirely to graduate early. And all went directly to war. Many died, some likely before they would have graduated in normal times. They came home when the war ended. Earlier only if wounded — or dead.
retiredradar
Mom of USNA '24 Mid
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Just keep going. You're almost done with Plebe year and the summer will be a nice change. You will find your people. It takes a while for many. You're almost 2/3 done with USNA. Good stuff ahead!
NinoBaldacci
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Spent the weekend at the Naval Academy Alumni Association Leadership Forum. There were alums from the 1950s down to very recent grads.
So many of us had similar stories of frustrations with our USNA experience. In most cases they were things we could look back on and roll our eyes or laugh about.
Hang in there. The end is very near. And remember that many of the things that irk you would exist at a civilian college (or there would be other things that frustrate or annoy you).
So many of us had similar stories of frustrations with our USNA experience. In most cases they were things we could look back on and roll our eyes or laugh about.
Hang in there. The end is very near. And remember that many of the things that irk you would exist at a civilian college (or there would be other things that frustrate or annoy you).
Thanks for sharing!! I think my plebe would have a similar list at this point while much of it has become a distant memory for my 2/C.
The fact that you got this all out and still have a positive attitude shows that you've got this!! Congratulations on your near completion of plebe year. You'll find your people once you have more time to devote to activities that interest you and more choices on how you spend your free time.
Sounds like the AC is coming soon for those who don't have it yet. My 2/C had to break out the heated blanket again - their room is now freezing!
The fact that you got this all out and still have a positive attitude shows that you've got this!! Congratulations on your near completion of plebe year. You'll find your people once you have more time to devote to activities that interest you and more choices on how you spend your free time.
Sounds like the AC is coming soon for those who don't have it yet. My 2/C had to break out the heated blanket again - their room is now freezing!