Simple Advice for Class of 2022

SCMids

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Jan 14, 2016
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1. Arrive in the best physical shape of your life. Makes everything more bearable during Plebe Summer.
2. You will make the best friends of your life. Throw yourself into the work and play with your classmates.
3. Write home once a week. Talk about good and funny things. Your parents will need it.
4. 7 weeks passes more quickly than you think.
5. Everything about USNA is not great, but, collectively, it can and should be the best four years you have had to date.
6. The fun will come. My 17 grad said that Friday nights his first two years on the Yard were usually fun, because you were hanging with your best friends.
7. DO NOT be cynical. Attitude will help or hinder you more than you know.
8. Parents, visit as often as you can. Invite Mids to your home. Buy them meals when you are in town. Get to know their parents. More rewarding than you can imagine.
9. Parents, don’t baby your Mids, and don’t try to do things for them. They become more resourceful than you have ever been. Never complain to anyone at the Academy. Never post on social media things your Mid tells you. Don’t gossip and get into parent drama.
10. Take advantage of any and everything USNA and that part of our country have to offer. My boys have been to Alaska, Yukon Territory, Guam, San Diego, Australia, Italy, and Israel. They’ve heard astronauts and Presidents speak. They’ve met Ovechkin of the Capitals, Manny Pacquiao, David Robinson, Hannah Storm, David Robinson, Medal of Honor recipients, Bryce Harper, and so many more. They’ve taken snowboarding weekends and trips to other colleges. They’ve gone skydiving. They’ve been underway on assault ships and nuclear subs. They’ve flown in helicopters, ospreys, and trainers. They’ve rushed a football field after huge wins, and they’ve been to the best sporting event of all — Army Navy. They’ve laughed. They’ve cried. There is so much more, but you get the picture. There is no educational experience like USNA.
11. Finally, Class of 2020, always remember this: When you are feeling a little overwhelmed and somewhat intimidated by detailers and upperclassmen, the only real difference between you and them is that they know what comes next. As you learn what comes next, the Academy slows down for you. Your confidence goes through the roof. You grow. You thrive.

These things are brought to you by the proud Dad of a Class of 17 United States Marine and a Class of 2020 youngster, both of whom think that USNA is the greatest place on earth. What an experience it has been! God bless each and every one of you, and thank you for your willingness to serve.
 
1. Arrive in the best physical shape of your life. Makes everything more bearable during Plebe Summer.

9. Parents, don’t baby your Mids, and don’t try to do things for them. They become more resourceful than you have ever been. Never complain to anyone at the Academy. Never post on social media things your Mid tells you. Don’t gossip and get into parent drama.

These two stood out the most to me.
 
You should be excited. It’s a great journey for you and your family!
 
Arrive in the best physical shape of your life. Makes everything more bearable during Plebe Summer.

I give this one to all of my successful candidates.. I explain that Plebe Summer consists of two games, the mental and the physical. One you can control, and one you can't. If you show up in better physical shape than everyone else, then you take one of the major stressors off the table. (With the caveat to use the physical condition wisely, as showing up your Classmates can lead to adverse consequences in the mental game).
 
Is there a class of 2022 facebook page yet?
Yes, I believe there are. Join one or both of the USNA parents groups first (open to any class), and you can usually get the link to the individual class pages from there. I believe there are pages for 2022 appointees only (no parents, family, gf/bfs etc), and separate ones for parents only.
 
Parents, don’t baby your Mids, and don’t try to do things for them. They become more resourceful than you have ever been. Never complain to anyone at the Academy. Never post on social media things your Mid tells you. Don’t gossip and get into parent drama.

Word to this. During PS, your contact with your DD/DS will be controlled. Once in Ac Year, your Mid will have much more time for you to call, text, etc. Resist the urge. Your child is BUSY. There's a fine line between wanting to hear your voice or read your message and having constantly take time away from studies, military duties, etc. to respond to you.

And, whatever you do, do NOT call or write or email or text the Company Commander, Company Officer, Commandant, or -- worse -- the Superintendent. Your child is now a member of the military and will be well taken care of. The system works. Not to mention that today's urgent "crisis" will be forgotten by tomorrow -- by your mid at least. If you make a mountain of it, the only one who will suffer will be your mid.
 
Parents, don’t baby your Mids, and don’t try to do things for them. They become more resourceful than you have ever been. Never complain to anyone at the Academy. Never post on social media things your Mid tells you. Don’t gossip and get into parent drama.

Word to this. During PS, your contact with your DD/DS will be controlled. Once in Ac Year, your Mid will have much more time for you to call, text, etc. Resist the urge. Your child is BUSY. There's a fine line between wanting to hear your voice or read your message and having constantly take time away from studies, military duties, etc. to respond to you.

And, whatever you do, do NOT call or write or email or text the Company Commander, Company Officer, Commandant, or -- worse -- the Superintendent. Your child is now a member of the military and will be well taken care of. The system works. Not to mention that today's urgent "crisis" will be forgotten by tomorrow -- by your mid at least. If you make a mountain of it, the only one who will suffer will be your mid.
Still surprised when parents call company officers. Big mistake.
 
8. Parents, visit as often as you can. Invite Mids to your home. Buy them meals when you are in town. Get to know their parents. More rewarding than you can imagine.
We have had mids at our home several times and it has been a pleasure to get to know them! Take them out to dinner if you can. We took DD and her friends out one night and they had never eaten oyster found out they loved it. My two high school friends who were with me also enjoyed getting to know DD's friends and it was a great experience. Plus when Mids offer to pay please tell them it is appreciated but you will take care of the bill.
 
#9 YES YES YES ..... I have seen too many mids that are inept due to their parents babying them .... let them be the adults and officers they are trained to be.
 
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