- Joined
- Jan 31, 2015
- Messages
- 434
I decided to post a thread on this because I've heard a lot of questions regarding "what should I do between now and I-day? I want to be as prepared as possible." Here is my $0.02019 worth of perspective, having been there and done that myself:
1. Chill. No, seriously. Enjoy your last 106 days of freedom. The feeling you have now won't come again for a while after June 29, so take the time to drink it in. Do fun stuff with your family and friends (DON'T get in trouble!). Make memories--they will help encourage you during BCT.
2. Recognize that you are about to begin a new life, especially if you live far away from USAFA. You probably won't see most of your old friends anymore except on breaks. Not to be fatalistic in any way, but the "2% club" (supposedly, 2% of cadets entering the Academy with a significant other are still in that relationship when they graduate) has that name for a reason. Tie up any loose ends you might have in your friendships/relationships before you leave for the Springs.
3. Work out, hard. Every extra bit of fitness you can carry into BCT will pay dividends later. Many people ask "how many reps of XYZ exercise should I be able to do?" Don't worry about that. What's more important than how many you can perform, is what you do once you reach your limit. When you've done 50, 100, or 500 pushups and are physically exhausted, do you have the mental strength to force yourself to crank out 5, 10, or 25 extra reps before you give up? Of course, you should try to work up to as many as you can, but also be very careful not to get hurt as you do so.
4. DON'T SLACK ON GRADES. I have seen multiple questions revolving around "will my appointment be rescinded for a C/D in AP ABC?" Almost everyone runs into a buzz saw with school once in a while, but it's much better to avoid getting into the situation in the first place. That way, you won't need to worry about whether or not you'll keep your appointment.
5. Be reasonable about the different activities (extracurricular, etc.) you try to do between now and I-Day. Don't push yourself as hard as you possibly can between now and then. Be productive, but take a little down time, too. You won't get too much of that once you arrive at USAFA, and your body will be thankful for the rest time.
6. Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I did a lot of thinking, praying, and soul-searching before I-Day, and I really think I was more prepared because of it. Don't ever forget why you are coming here and going through this, and don't doubt that it will be worth it. Reach out for help when you need it--don't forget your classmates are there for you too.
Congrats and good luck, 2021. You will be here before you know it. Keep working hard.
~WBY
1. Chill. No, seriously. Enjoy your last 106 days of freedom. The feeling you have now won't come again for a while after June 29, so take the time to drink it in. Do fun stuff with your family and friends (DON'T get in trouble!). Make memories--they will help encourage you during BCT.
2. Recognize that you are about to begin a new life, especially if you live far away from USAFA. You probably won't see most of your old friends anymore except on breaks. Not to be fatalistic in any way, but the "2% club" (supposedly, 2% of cadets entering the Academy with a significant other are still in that relationship when they graduate) has that name for a reason. Tie up any loose ends you might have in your friendships/relationships before you leave for the Springs.
3. Work out, hard. Every extra bit of fitness you can carry into BCT will pay dividends later. Many people ask "how many reps of XYZ exercise should I be able to do?" Don't worry about that. What's more important than how many you can perform, is what you do once you reach your limit. When you've done 50, 100, or 500 pushups and are physically exhausted, do you have the mental strength to force yourself to crank out 5, 10, or 25 extra reps before you give up? Of course, you should try to work up to as many as you can, but also be very careful not to get hurt as you do so.
4. DON'T SLACK ON GRADES. I have seen multiple questions revolving around "will my appointment be rescinded for a C/D in AP ABC?" Almost everyone runs into a buzz saw with school once in a while, but it's much better to avoid getting into the situation in the first place. That way, you won't need to worry about whether or not you'll keep your appointment.
5. Be reasonable about the different activities (extracurricular, etc.) you try to do between now and I-Day. Don't push yourself as hard as you possibly can between now and then. Be productive, but take a little down time, too. You won't get too much of that once you arrive at USAFA, and your body will be thankful for the rest time.
6. Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I did a lot of thinking, praying, and soul-searching before I-Day, and I really think I was more prepared because of it. Don't ever forget why you are coming here and going through this, and don't doubt that it will be worth it. Reach out for help when you need it--don't forget your classmates are there for you too.
Congrats and good luck, 2021. You will be here before you know it. Keep working hard.
~WBY