- Joined
- Apr 15, 2016
- Messages
- 55
@Usnavy2019, thank you for starting this thread, and also for your willingness to help. We just visited USNA last week, and my son (who received an appointment but was undecided) accepted the offer right away after CVW. He's super enthusiastic about this journey, and he understands it is going to be challenging.
My question is about mentorship/counseling if there's such a thing, and I don't mean just for academics or career planning, which are of course crucial. I want to know if there is someone at the Academy that he can talk to in case he's feeling down or lost. Is it mostly an upperclass midshipman in his company that he would reach out to, or is there a center at USNA similar to what other universities have? May be I'm just being a worrisome parent, because really, what else would I do until June 28?
For USNA2022_Mom: I'm a current plebe and I can try to chime in my experiences as well.
At USNA we have the MDC (Midshipmen Development Center). This center serves many purposes and is available for walk-ins or appointments. I know a few of my friends who go for different issues. Everything from traumatic experiences they are still dealing with pre-USNA to depression to just wanting to have someone to talk to. MDC is here for all midshipmen. They also provide nutrition plans for anyone interested. I have never visited myself (other than to use the free massage chairs!), but I have heard all great things.
I think it is a great resource to go to for anyone feeling down on themselves. Ultimately, no one here wants to see you fail. If you reach out to an upperclass or a fellow plebe, someone will help. This place is full of people who care and you just need to learn who to go to.