Obviously I am swelling up with pride for my daughter who recently commissioned. I am even prouder of the way she picked herself up after a few stumbles on her journey! As a parent, I always knew it was her journey, but also worried about how she would fare through some tough challenges. Many times I sought advice from those more knowledgeable than I on this board, and for that I am also truly thankful. Due to a combination of circumstances during her 4 years, she faced not one, but three separate PRB's. (Performance Review Boards) All of them based on falling short by .03 and .04 below the requisite GPA mark required by the Navy to keep her scholarship. (none dealt with behavior or fitness) After taking into account much of the excellent advice given here, she fell on her sword, admitted her shortcomings and had her plan of action moving forward. But, as we know, often the best laid plans may not always work- death in family, other external issues, etc took their toll. She maintained excellent PT and unit participation, but it is hard to boost the gpa when it falls. She faced a LOA one semester and had to pay for tuition, room and board. Proudly, the last 2 semesters before this one, she made deans honors list and I have no idea her grades this spring- just know she commissioned and graduated. After commissioning, I spoke with the CO of her command and her LT, and both had some tear-inducing (for me) words of praise about my daughter and her future.
For those just starting this journey- do not ever think this cannot happen to you or your mid. My daughter attended a very difficult science school that does not believe in grade curving, prior to which she was in the top of her HS class, honors, etc. There will be challenges- emotional, social, physical, academic, you name it. Adjusting to college life and your ROTC responsibilities on top of that can be difficult to start. Best advice you can remember- go to your professor's office hours!! Make sure they know your name, and ask questions, even if you think you know the material well. Often you may only get one or two grades the entire semester and when the final exam comes, it is too late to realize that you did not truly understand the material. Don't procrastinate on your assignments. ASK FOR HELP when needed! One of the biggest obstacles I have seen with students in college is their hesitancy in asking for help, and thinking that they will figure out the material on their own when they sit down with it. I wish you all the best of luck and success as you begin the journey. Stay physically fit and challenge yourself daily. If you are ever faced with a PRB- do not think it is nothing! Prepare for it!!! It is as serious as a heart attack..... there may be dire consequences depending on its outcome. A PRB does not have to be fatal, and you can recover from it. Just plan and hope that you never have to! Remember, it is not how many times you fall, rather it is how many times you pick yourself up that is the measure of success.
THANK YOU....to all of you over the past 4 years who have given such excellent advice and helped me, as well as my daughter to be prepared. Special shout-out to Capt MJ and Kinnem for all the excellent advice given over the PRB's, it was much appreciated.
For those just starting this journey- do not ever think this cannot happen to you or your mid. My daughter attended a very difficult science school that does not believe in grade curving, prior to which she was in the top of her HS class, honors, etc. There will be challenges- emotional, social, physical, academic, you name it. Adjusting to college life and your ROTC responsibilities on top of that can be difficult to start. Best advice you can remember- go to your professor's office hours!! Make sure they know your name, and ask questions, even if you think you know the material well. Often you may only get one or two grades the entire semester and when the final exam comes, it is too late to realize that you did not truly understand the material. Don't procrastinate on your assignments. ASK FOR HELP when needed! One of the biggest obstacles I have seen with students in college is their hesitancy in asking for help, and thinking that they will figure out the material on their own when they sit down with it. I wish you all the best of luck and success as you begin the journey. Stay physically fit and challenge yourself daily. If you are ever faced with a PRB- do not think it is nothing! Prepare for it!!! It is as serious as a heart attack..... there may be dire consequences depending on its outcome. A PRB does not have to be fatal, and you can recover from it. Just plan and hope that you never have to! Remember, it is not how many times you fall, rather it is how many times you pick yourself up that is the measure of success.
THANK YOU....to all of you over the past 4 years who have given such excellent advice and helped me, as well as my daughter to be prepared. Special shout-out to Capt MJ and Kinnem for all the excellent advice given over the PRB's, it was much appreciated.
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