Iriswhite23
USNA DS Mom '29
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2024
- Messages
- 98
He actually told me a few months into college (after NROTC NSI camp and his college unit's Midshipmen orientation) that he was glad he did not get in last cycle because he realized that he was not mature enough to handle the demands of the Navy on top of being away from home. He is mentally and physically tough but was still only an 18 years old kid. He would have handled it fine but after this year he absolutely understands what is required of him academically and mentally/physically. "His skin is thicker" as his Gunnery Sergeant would say. There is definitely something to the benefits of that extra year.This is a great example of the real goal being in what service do you want to be, and reverse engineering the available paths, and looking past the 4-year way station of the SA.
He will report to USNA more mature, with professional knowledge and skills, been away from home a year and handled that, ready to deal with new challenges. Motivated. Understands what it is to coach himself through an obstacle and overcome it. Good all around.
BZ! (He will understand that.)