Visiting the Naval Academy Aug 15-18

farewelltoforeignshores24 said:
I don't know any mid. I'd be the first in the family to be a Midshipman or even go into the Navy, or be an officer!
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Join the club.

Hell, I'm first generation American! :biggrin:

Well, if you can look through the windows while the plebes are eating, go for it. Just don't be surprised if they stand up and shout, "SIR! THIS IS NOT A FISHBOWL, SIR!"

We did that a few times. :biggrin:
 
I think it's wonderful that a young woman of your age is aspiring to go to the Naval Academy. I wasn't a whole lot younger when I realized I had a similar calling. Getting that appointment and eventual commission was one of the most powerful motivating forces I had in junior high and high school. What the gentleman said on here about being exceptional in everything you do, please stick to that. Make it your code. I did really well in school and in sports and ECAs. I had believed in my dream so fully and for so long that I expected it to essentially be given to me. Wasn't the case. There isn't a whole lot I've experienced in my young life that has hurt as much as when I got that TWE. Here I am, at it again, devoting myself fully with a new burning desire. What I'm trying to say is don't expect anything, earn everything. Get as close to perfection as humanly possible. If you do that then you will regret nothing, no matter what kind of envelope you get.

Anyway! On topic now... Enjoy the Yard. Soak in everything you can. If you're like me you'll fall in love with the place instantly.


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Or, if you're interested in history you may find the archive section in the library fascinating. My last visit I did some research for a friend of mine; I could have spent all day in there. His ancestor was on the first (1871) USNA baseball team (Thanks for the new feature, Mods.:)
 
Zaphod said:
Here's another bit of advice from what to you is an old man, but really isn't....

Starting today, RIGHT NOW, never again be "good enough". No. From now on, EXCELLENCE IS THE MINIMUM STANDARD. Nothing less is acceptable.

Don't try to just pass. Try to max it out. Don't shoot for a passing score, shoot for a perfect score. Never slow down. Never lose focus. Be the ABSOLUTE BEST YOU CAN BE at EVERYTHING. Let no opportunity pass you by because you're busy dreaming about the future or of a boy/girlfriend or hanging out with friends. No compromises, no retreat, no surrender. You must start NOW.

Why do I tell you this? Because I didn't listen when I was your age. Sure, I did OK. Heck, I've even graduated, served, and made a decent living after life in uniform, but it look back and I'm almost brought to tears at the number of times I could have been better, which would have made my life easier. It also would have meant that I would have gotten to do what I REALLY wanted to do after graduation instead of having to do what was left.

I've been out of the Navy longer than you've been alive, and I still carry those regrets deep in my soul. Don't be me.

Go get 'em. :smile:
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These words need to greet every young person, not just candidates when they turn on their computers or smartphone - should be their wallpaper. Excellent advice and so true.
 
Standing on Stribling with my daughter in her whites. Family is passing by going on a tour and little girl said "look mom a girl one". I cracked up. Also my DD was a Chinese major and made the mistake of answering a Chinese tourist in Chinese. Long period of everyone in the group wanting to take pictures with their children and all the tourists with this Chinese speaking Mid. It is an amazing ride even if it is a zoo now and then.
 
My Daughter's roommates from high school came down for PPW. They told us that walking around town with her in her whites was like being with a rock star. All the flashes going off.
 
Zaphod said:
More like a open-air zoo.

PLEASE DON'T FEED THE MIDSHIPMEN. KEEP YOUR ARMS AND LEGS INSIDE THE TOUR ROUTE...

:biggrin:
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My DS said the same thing! When all the people are there watching them drill or whatever. Its like they are animals in a Zoo :eek:
 
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