@MIDNDAD: Mine didn't have the deer in the headlights look (many did), but she did say she woke up the next morning thinking, "OMG, what have I done????"
To those of you who are soon to begin the roller coaster ride (parents and Mids-to-be), a few words as my Mid and I are less than 90 days away from Commissioning.
Soon to be Plebes:
1. It's not personal. Really.
2. Do not let yourself even consider leaving until the end of Plebe year. Give yourself time to get past the early heavy doses of training, try out some ECAs, and make friends. You've spent a year or more applying and waiting for that BFE to arrive. Now make a pact to spend an equal time there, if you start to doubt whether you should be there. True story: a 2015 Mid started talking about leaving ON I-day. He made a promise to stick it out through Plebe Summer. By the time the 6 weeks were over, he was there to stay.
3. If you didn't have what it takes, you wouldn't have that pretty blue binder.
4. I suggest that you write yourself a letter NOW, listing all the reasons that you want to be a Navy or USMC officer, and why you think USNA is the right place for you. If you start to have doubts, pull out your letter and read it, so you can focus on the goal, not on whatever might be getting you down.
5. Focus on becoming a team with your classmates, not on yourself.
6. When you think you have it hard, remember that the upper classes have all of your obligations, AND an obligation to train YOU (and lots of other things).
Parents:
1. If you hear griping or tears during phone calls, don't panic. That's pretty normal, unless DD/DS starts talking about leaving.
2. Even if you get a letter from the Company Officer that says, "Call me any time," - DON'T. The only exceptions I can think of would be either a family emergency, or if DD/DS starts seriously thinking of leaving.
3. If/when you go to visit, be aware that the ONLY time your Plebe will have town liberty (free time off campus) will be Saturday from the end of a home football game (if any) to ~11:30 PM. So, even though we all think the Yard is wonderful, DD/DS will NOT want to spend time there on Saturday!
4. Throughout the time your DD/DS is a Mid, be aware of his/her obligations, and try to make family members aware, too. With high travel costs, it's easy to expect your Mid to spend an entire weekend with you, but he/she will have lots of things to do that MUST get done. If visitors are willing to "spend time together" running errands, doing laundry, etc., visits will be much better appreciated. At least, that's been our experience.
Best wishes to the Class of 2016!