What are the enjoyable things about attending USMA?

[cajunrouge2021]

The things that aren't amongst the most enjoyable aspects of West Point such as Beast are talked about often and for good reason. But I'd like to hear everything you have to say about the things one could enjoy or you personally enjoyed most at USMA.

Clubs, classes, leadership, Camaraderie, food, etc.

 

[Ted75]

Winter...

 

[tug_boat]

Do you remember the movie Shawshank Redemption? You don't like being there, but you stay because of your friends. And finding as much "athos" as possible.

Push Hard, Press Forward

 

[Casey]

Your friends. Also, some awesome opportunities (internships, foreign travel, military training, academic research) but really your friends.

 

[mmb5]

Although Beast - and many other things about plebe year - are miserable, there is an attitude that once you're there, they want you to succeed. Unlike a civilian college, the instructors' goals are to make sure that students learn the material. Extra help is easy to come by. Honor code is instilled. My son said that they "wanted him to become his best self". Not something you find too many places.

 

[2020HD]

I would offer that not every cadet would agree with the "good place to be from, not to be at" sentiment. My son actually enjoyed beast, enjoys the PT, Sandhurst, and has often said room/class mates and his professors are just awesome people. We chuckled over some of his letters from Beast as they almost sounded like propaganda pieces with all the apostrophes and "awesomes"... but it's held up so far. So as always your mileage may vary.

 

[bookreader]

You get to meet interesting people - an A-list of people come to WP to meet with the cadets. As a parent I am often in awe of the caliber of speakers who visit WP. If you asked my cadet, he'd say that so far the high point for him was meeting a few of the cheerleaders for the Florida Panthers (Panthers played the NJ Devils at WP a couple weeks ago. Cadets could get free tickets!). And yes, he has a memento pic to prove it. His second fav would be hearing Jeff Dunham do a show at WP. All of the cadets could attend for free (everyone else paid $400 for tickets!).

 

[herr0berst]

Without a doubt, the camaraderie and life-long friendships were the most enjoyable things of my West Point experience. Even after 30+ years, it's always good to see a classmate. Other things I enjoyed: the campus--especially when the color peaked in the surrounding hills every autumn; the Sunday brunch meals in the mess hall; running the trails through the wooded areas of the post; foraging the tailgates after home football games ("Hey Cadet, come over here and get something to eat!"); the Library--always found solace in wandering the stacks; the guest speakers--men and women who were part of shaping world events; Friday afternoons--during my time they were free of Parades and Intramurals so you could use that time to work on academics or relax with your friends. The four years do pass quickly...make the most of them.

 

[3cmkids]

All these things put a smile on my face. I sure do hope that BFE comes to our home at some point.

 

[USMA 1994]

Beating Navy

 

[Sydney C.]

Has anyone mentioned to weather? If you're originally from Saskatchewan, you're going to feel right at home.

 

[brovol]

My son says what he loves most is being part of the Corps. He also says he loves the few moments of peace he has when he can take a walk (mostly when the weather is warm and nice), and appreciate where he is and the beauty of it all. He has enjoyed all the incredible people he gets to hear and meet; not just the speakers, but the officers, professor's, and other Cadets. He hates the bad days, and there are several, but he loves the real good days that happen now and again.

 

[JWP]

Having trouble understanding the reason behind the question in all honesty. Like everything....your attitude and perspective will determine what is enjoyable out of any experience. And it will be unique to you.