We are returning from R day and I thought while it was still fresh in my mind I might tell you some things I wish I had known.
1. This was the most emotionally draining day I have had in a very long time. Be prepared for all sorts of emotions to come bubbling up in the days leading up to it as well. Your cadet may become withdrawn and grumpy as the nerves set in.
2. Try to get there before the day prior, but not too early. We drove up Friday. That was perfect. Any earlier would have just made him more nervous than he already was.
3. Bring cash! There are ATM's but some things such as the R day Buffet are cash only.
4. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. It will be a hurry up and wait kind of day.
5. Bring tissues and water. You will need both!
6. Do what works best for you and your family that day. You can wander around campus, do some retail therapy, sit in the corner and cry, write your cadet his or her first letter and mail it from Ike Hall. We even took the shuttle back to the car and napped for 20 minutes which helped my 9 yr old tremendously. Just stay flexible and don't feel like you have to do exactly what others are doing.
7. Understand that leaving the next day or whenever you leave is almost harder than the 60 second goodbye! Driving away from West Point was heart wrenching!
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
1. This was the most emotionally draining day I have had in a very long time. Be prepared for all sorts of emotions to come bubbling up in the days leading up to it as well. Your cadet may become withdrawn and grumpy as the nerves set in.
2. Try to get there before the day prior, but not too early. We drove up Friday. That was perfect. Any earlier would have just made him more nervous than he already was.
3. Bring cash! There are ATM's but some things such as the R day Buffet are cash only.
4. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. It will be a hurry up and wait kind of day.
5. Bring tissues and water. You will need both!
6. Do what works best for you and your family that day. You can wander around campus, do some retail therapy, sit in the corner and cry, write your cadet his or her first letter and mail it from Ike Hall. We even took the shuttle back to the car and napped for 20 minutes which helped my 9 yr old tremendously. Just stay flexible and don't feel like you have to do exactly what others are doing.
7. Understand that leaving the next day or whenever you leave is almost harder than the 60 second goodbye! Driving away from West Point was heart wrenching!
Good luck and enjoy the ride!