Temple17
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2017
- Messages
- 180
This forum was a huge help to me when I was applying to USNA so I try to contribute to it in whatever way I can. My two cents regarding plebe summer is as follows:
Victim vs Victor
The most important decision you will make during Plebe Summer is whether you are going to be a Victim or a Victor. Victims are people who complain and feel sorry for themselves. Victors are people who strive to perform their best in every situation they are put in. The academy puts you in many uncomfortable situations. It is not fun standing on a bulkhead for hours on in. It is not fun waking up early to do PT. During the academic year, it will not be fun doing Chemistry homework until zero dark thirty. Never allow your self to be a victim of your circumstance. Remember, you chose to come to the United States Naval Academy. It is crucial for you to have a Victor mentality and always think positively. Focus on the reason why you are at the academy. That reason is a little different for everyone, but always think about the Sailors and Marines you will be leading someday. If you think about others as you go through the struggles at the academy you will be more motivated to succeed in all of your endeavors.
Do your best at all times
Leading up to my I-Day there were many people who told me that my goal during Plebe Summer should be to fly under the radar. That is terrible advice. Why would someone who cares about you not want you to do your best at all times? You will fail continuously during Plebe Year. But, you should be doing everything possible to be successful at all times. Find ways to accomplish little victories like memorizing a tough rate or making your rack in record time. Find ways during Plebe Summer to be a leader. Help out your classmates if they are struggling with their uniform. Build strong relationships with your fellow Plebes because if you are doing Plebe Year with people you care about it will be much easier. Be a good teammate.
My thoughts might be a little sporadic but just a few things to think about as you prepare for I-Day.
Victim vs Victor
The most important decision you will make during Plebe Summer is whether you are going to be a Victim or a Victor. Victims are people who complain and feel sorry for themselves. Victors are people who strive to perform their best in every situation they are put in. The academy puts you in many uncomfortable situations. It is not fun standing on a bulkhead for hours on in. It is not fun waking up early to do PT. During the academic year, it will not be fun doing Chemistry homework until zero dark thirty. Never allow your self to be a victim of your circumstance. Remember, you chose to come to the United States Naval Academy. It is crucial for you to have a Victor mentality and always think positively. Focus on the reason why you are at the academy. That reason is a little different for everyone, but always think about the Sailors and Marines you will be leading someday. If you think about others as you go through the struggles at the academy you will be more motivated to succeed in all of your endeavors.
Do your best at all times
Leading up to my I-Day there were many people who told me that my goal during Plebe Summer should be to fly under the radar. That is terrible advice. Why would someone who cares about you not want you to do your best at all times? You will fail continuously during Plebe Year. But, you should be doing everything possible to be successful at all times. Find ways to accomplish little victories like memorizing a tough rate or making your rack in record time. Find ways during Plebe Summer to be a leader. Help out your classmates if they are struggling with their uniform. Build strong relationships with your fellow Plebes because if you are doing Plebe Year with people you care about it will be much easier. Be a good teammate.
My thoughts might be a little sporadic but just a few things to think about as you prepare for I-Day.