VMI matriculation & next steps.

We also participated in our first Rat matriculation. What a day! I have to say the march out to the sound of the bagpipes and drums was amazing. The first care package box is already started. Thanks to all for your advise on what to send. :thumb:

Every time I heard that song last year it put a lump in my throat. Partly because I missed him, but mostly for the sense of pride we felt as parents. That song is symbolic to us of the beginning of a great new life for our son, one that isn't an easy road. Now a year later that sense of pride is still there minus the boat load of separation anxiety we had. Once they endure the Rat Line they feel like they can do anything.. and you won't doubt it either:thumb: It is an amazing school.

One other thought ref care packages... My DS HATED coffee until 2 weeks at VMI.. They have coffee pots in the academic buildings and a bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee/filters/powdered creamer are like gold to him now. If your DS/DD hated coffee ..check in a few weeks. It may have changed.
 
Last edited:
Every time I heard that song last year it put a lump in my throat. Partly because I missed him, but mostly for the sense of pride we felt as parents. That song is symbolic to us of the beginning of a great new life for our son, one that isn't an easy road. Now a year later that sense of pride is still there minus the boat load of separation anxiety we had. Once they endure the Rat Line they feel like they can do anything.. and you won't doubt it either:thumb: It is an amazing school.

One other thought ref care packages... My DS HATED coffee until 2 weeks at VMI.. They have coffee pots in the academic buildings and a bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee/filters/powdered creamer are like gold to him now. If your DS/DD hated coffee ..check in a few weeks. It may have changed.

I'm can't wait to see what my DS has to say when I first get some communication from him - I'm curious to know how it compares with what he thought it was going to be. He knows it'll be hard, but I doubt you can totally imagine what it will feel like. Just praying he will get a good Dyke!
 
I'm can't wait to see what my DS has to say when I first get some communication from him - I'm curious to know how it compares with what he thought it was going to be. He knows it'll be hard, but I doubt you can totally imagine what it will feel like. Just praying he will get a good Dyke!

Not saying it happens to all of them.. but mine was doubting his ability, his choice, his EVERYTHING in the very beginning. Hell week is a wake up call to a bunch of kids that were successful at pretty much all things in HS. Now matter how fit you are or how bright you are they fail at a lot and are RATS. Per DS until you live the life feeling like you are something stuck to the bottom of a shoe 24/7 you can't relate. He also had some very funny stories, some moments that were sprinkled in that made it all a great experience in spite of the pressures. DS made it through the mental pressure because he knows how to laugh at himself and find humor in the strangest things. I really noticed a positive change in him the night after the Rats met the RDC which isn't long from now. "It was totally epic" were his words. He started talking more about the upper class men that he respected and his leaders in his Co. His professors that were great.. only an occasional complaint in that dept. The tone of his calls changed to being more and more positive as time went by.
His Dyke is an awesome guy, and we are very fortunate. We have become friends with his Dykes family as well. I expect it will be a life long friendship.
 
I can echo bjkuds comments and insights - I am biased as my cadet is a senior this year, but all of the 1st's I know are really excited about being the best dykes. As with other life lessons, for some cadets who came up short in the dyke dept - they are determined to be the best! Also, if your RAT doesnt get a terrific dyke, remember just like the RATS, dykes have roomies - which are their uncle dykes! It is mystery how the dyke's are assigned, from this year's view - I can confirm that dykes are allowed to choose their RAT(s). One of my neandrothols chose 1 RAT becuz the RAT was a friend's cousin - my son wanted his rats within his company -
our RAT year it appeared that rats and dykes were paired by home of record, past sport, major - it was and still is a mystery.
Again this year many RATS will also be sharing a dyke - my son's class entered STP with 507, entered matriculation with 497'ish, had 430 at end of RAT year. I believe this senior class is returning with about 330 - something like that. So more RATS than dykes.
As your cadet advances, each year brings more freedoms, with more responsbilities, it is still a challenge - its meant to be.
As I have said before, will again, VMI lived up to its hype, the marketing - you can believe! Even now, going into our last year, while knowing there are worts, my son is still very proud of the Institute, and wouldnt be anywhere else.
larrys mom
 
Last edited:
another tidbit - while I didnt learn about them until after our RAT - and with the new website maybe you all already know- but look at the webcams - while they only give you a glance around parade field mostly - it is a peek into their world! Every year i turn to them - see what's going on - my parents have even been able to view the parades - long distance but a view for those who can''t be there! - larrys mom
 
another tidbit - while I didnt learn about them until after our RAT - and with the new website maybe you all already know- but look at the webcams - while they only give you a glance around parade field mostly - it is a peek into their world! Every year i turn to them - see what's going on - my parents have even been able to view the parades - long distance but a view for those who can''t be there! - larrys mom

Yes! I discovered the webcams during STP - I love going there, hoping I can get a glimpse of something interesting going on. And I can see DS' room - it's in an unusually-shaped part of the building and easy to spot.

Also, the matriculation photos have been posted on the VMI website! I was able to spot my DS in a couple of photos. :thumb:
 
Greetings. I've been a lurker on the list for the last several years after learning about the site during well after our son arrived at VMI 3 years ago. My wife and I were also at Lexington yesterday for Matriculation, as our DS was the young man who spoke to all of you at the Matriculation Ceremony before your Rats formed up.:smile: We hope that you enjoyed his speech.

We ran into Larry's Mom, who is also on this List and is a member of the Parents Council. Our son's have been close friends since the 2009 STP. We shared alot of laughs, stories, and admiration for the young men and women who we have met as they begin their final year. Many have said - these are friendships that will last for their lifetimes.

For those of you who are starting your VMI experience, some thoughts as we now enter our final year:

- There will be peaks and valleys. Every day, week, month and year will offer different challenges as your DS/DD goes through the VMI experience.
- When you see your Rat at New Market, you will likely find a changed Rat. You will smile with pride as you see them march down New Market's main street before they head back to VMI.
- VMI IS a Family! That VMI shirt and VMI logo on your car will be a pathway for some interesting opportunities over your next 4 years! The only folks who wear more "stuff" than the VMI community is probably the Marines!
- Enjoy the ride and the VMI experience. Although your Rat will not think so, it will go by very, very fast!
- Politics aside, these are tough days for our country. Similarly, one can get beat up listening to the continuous doom and gloom that comes from the media and chattering class. But when you go back to VMI over the next 4 years, you will always walk away feeling "proud and good" - not just about your Rat, but about this next generation of leaders. As my son has told me numerous times, VMI is a living leadership laboratory. I'm positive that this comment could be applied to any SMC or SA on this list.
- The Corps will hopefully have the opportunity to march in the 2013 Inauguration Parade on January 20th. If you want some goose bumps, check out the 2009 Corps and parade at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07dI-6OO6ho&feature=related

V/R

GGN
 
I envy all of you - this is such an exciting time for you and for your Sons and daughters as well. If they went with a can do attitude and a little physical preparation they will do ok! Just remember to be supportive, listen to them if you get emails or calls singing the blues and keep reminding them to hang in there even if things seem tough at the present, It does get a lot better if they stick with it. Good luck to all!
:thumb:

wise words that is how it worked for my ds as a rat last year as a new 3d he is anxious to return next week
 
Yes! I discovered the webcams during STP - I love going there, hoping I can get a glimpse of something interesting going on. And I can see DS' room - it's in an unusually-shaped part of the building and easy to spot.

Also, the matriculation photos have been posted on the VMI website! I was able to spot my DS in a couple of photos. :thumb:

I don't see any matriculation photos on the website. Where should I be looking?
 
I need a little advice. DS matriculated at VMI on Saturday as well. I met DS and the hubby in Lexington b/c I was out-of-town prior to matriculation day. Earlier this summer, while DS was at STP, my father died unexpectedly. As one can imagine, our summer was smashed, turning the whole family into a tailspin. I was not home when DS packed his gear and DS had to accomplish all packing independently (as it should be).

Sadly, upon arriving home, I discovered his second pair of running shoes in the hallway, undoubtedly where he kicked them off after his last run at home. So, do I mail them to him, recognizing he won't get them until after Cadre Week, or do I wait for him to realize his error and request them from home?

This was his oversight and his responsibility and he shouldn't' expect others to save his butt, and generally this would be my mindset, however, given the recent shock and devastation of the loss of his grandad while he was at STP (and he remained at STP opting to mourn alone and miss the funeral), I am a bit more sympathetic to his situation. He arrived home after STP with mom away and the family & home in disarray since I was away attending to my mother in the aftermath of my dad's unexpected to death...

So, send the shoes or not send the shoes?
 
TRexMama, Having been through this (DS is now a First), don't send the shoes until he requests them. One of the many things your rat will learn is self responsibility at VMI. Only having one pair of running shoes for the next few weeks isn't going to kill him. In fact, this is a minor inconvenience with all else he is going through. My best advice to all parents of current, and future, rats is to have sympathy and understanding, but do not coddle. This is a huge maturation experience for all that go through it and they will be better for it on the other side. Life will always throw curve balls, VMI will help them understand how to cope with these unexpected issues and, more importantly, how to prioritize what is really important.
 
do not send shoes. He wouldn't get until after breakout anyway and REALLY does not need two pair!

Sorry for your loss.
 
TRexMama, Having been through this (DS is now a First), don't send the shoes until he requests them. One of the many things your rat will learn is self responsibility at VMI. Only having one pair of running shoes for the next few weeks isn't going to kill him. In fact, this is a minor inconvenience with all else he is going through. My best advice to all parents of current, and future, rats is to have sympathy and understanding, but do not coddle. This is a huge maturation experience for all that go through it and they will be better for it on the other side. Life will always throw curve balls, VMI will help them understand how to cope with these unexpected issues and, more importantly, how to prioritize what is really important.

Concur completely.. DS only used 1 pair for most of last year.. took both along as requested... 2 times they got wet and he used the 2nd pair, but essentially they aren't really needed. He will figure it out Mama.
 
DS just called! He says he would summarize Hell Week as "getting yelled at a lot". He reports that physically he isn't slammed and his 4-years in NJROTC prepared him well. Because NJROTC taught him a lot of formation/marching & such, he is able to fly below the radar and he is NOT on the receiving end of most of the yelling. His voice was trashed (he requested cough drops) b/c of all the "sounding off" required, passed the physical test, and doesn't feel exhausted (yet). He reports chow time and shower time are the worst -- he says he smells like a pig b/c they are only allowed a 5-minute shower. And then, a mother's worst nightmare...he requested the girlfriend's phone number so he could squeeze in a few minutes phone call to her (sigh). I hope many more moms and dads get positive phone calls tonight!
 
Phone call

We just heard from DS too. He is doing "great." He said don't get him wrong, it is hard and they scream a lot but he hasn't thought about quitting once. He is looking forward to academics starting next week. My day has been made!! :smile:
 
Just received an email from DS' academic advisor stating that DS is in good spirits and doing well. Kind academic advisor attached photo of the bald rat too!
 
Back
Top