VMI matriculation & next steps.

TRexMama said:
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!
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Wow that's really nice! I should check my emails ... but I was so glad to get the call. I think the worst part for DS is all the yelling, but he is making it through OK. I just wish I could think of questions fast enough!
 
My DS is reporting back on Friday and is a 3rd. I read the reports of matriculation of this years' Rats and their parents and remember those days well. The first weekend my DS reported back fairly content, glad to be sitting in church on a cushioned pew with a bottled water next to him...the next weekend sobbing hysterically ;) It is tough but even after ALL that encompasses being a Rat, a 4th and now a 3rd at VMI, apparently he wouldn't change a thing.
A proud VMI mom!
 
New Rat

Hi all,
I am a new VMI mom - getting very familiar very fast with all the terminology and wanting to add my 10c to the thread. Heard briefly through a 1st Classman that knows my DS that he is doing well - pure relief!
Then this morning when I checked my email - two lines - doing great and loves it.
We have been glued to the postings here, the cadet life and VMI photo store to try and get a glimpse of our DS and again today - great pics! Though few..
But great pictures all around. It is almost like a lifeline.
I pray that all are having the best experience of Hell Week that is possible. and I mean parents too.....
 
Welcome aboard!!! I do think this can be a lifetime for parents - as the thread zips from our hand watching our kites take flight! I came to VMI knowing nothing, so this site and the wonderful posters that give of their time to inform us is invaluable! It's also a joy to see those new ones come along and help take up the cause!

From what I am hearing from my 1st, things are going well - it's almost time for the entire corps to return and academics to start - the RATS will have new challanges - that is what this year is- challanges, but with safety nets in place for those that give it their all and want to be there! -larrys mom
 
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Trying not to fret

As we expected, no news from our DS ! I must say I envy all who have received messages and phone calls ! We're trying to maintain some self-control and not embarrass our DS by any unwelcome and unnecessary meddling. In the meantime - I'll try to stay occupied by gathering up some snacks and supplies as recommended. Thanks for the tips and links. Can't wait to meet you during parents week-end - that would be great - especially since we live far away. Thanks to all ! Anyone in G company ?
 
I'm sorry you haven't heard from your DS! Will he be attending a church service this morning? If so, most churches provide cell phones for the rats to make a brief call home. If he doesn't have a home church selected, encourage him to speak with his brother rats and make plans for next weekend's church service. The churches provide them cell phones, food, and a safe respite allowing them to relax a bit. My rat is F Troop.
 
marjorieli said:
As we expected, no news from our DS ! I must say I envy all who have received messages and phone calls ! We're trying to maintain some self-control and not embarrass our DS by any unwelcome and unnecessary meddling. In the meantime - I'll try to stay occupied by gathering up some snacks and supplies as recommended. Thanks for the tips and links. Can't wait to meet you during parents week-end - that would be great - especially since we live far away. Thanks to all ! Anyone in G company ?
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DS is in A Company. We will be making the 9½ hour trip to Lexington for the New Market Oath. If you are unable to attend and have a chance to talk with him, please let him know he is more than welcome to join our family for the picnic lunch. DS had previously invited some of his friends from STP to join us and the more, the merrier. :smile:

In the meantime, I will be praying that you will hear from your Rat soon.
 
TRexMama said:
I'm sorry you haven't heard from your DS! Will he be attending a church service this morning? If so, most churches provide cell phones for the rats to make a brief call home. If he doesn't have a home church selected, encourage him to speak with his brother rats and make plans for next weekend's church service. The churches provide them cell phones, food, and a safe respite allowing them to relax a bit. My rat is F Troop.
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While I dont try to pretend I know it all - PLEASE dont fret if you dont hear from your RAT this morning. Maybe they do have church services, I honestly have forgotten every day of our RAT year - but I do think today is a big day - thought it was all day event - rat crucible -i may have term wrong - and the entire corps must be back by tonight - think the RATS get to meet their Dykes soon - again I forget exactly - but either tonight or tomorrow - then classes begin tuesday.

Also my understanding is after today, marking the end of the ordeal, before tuesday's start of academics - they get their computers, and they have their Dyke (who they will see every morning).

I know our RAT year, I tried to take the position of if I didn't hear all must be well! Its lame, but all I can offer as comfort. Once academics begin at least you can have knowledge that any encouraging, short emails will reach your RAT. Our year, RATS were required to check their emails everyday. I would assume that hasn't changed.

I haven't heard anything for a day or two, but have already heard of a few RATS jumping ship - those do call home - so please dont worry, your RAT is probably really busy and just doesnt have the time or opportunity to call.
Next hurdle - only 1 week until new market! -larrys mom
 
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DS just called from St. Pat's! Rat Crucible is later today and later this evening they should have expect to have permission to use their computers. They expect to meet their dykes this evening, or tomorrow, along with preparations for class. Shopping for books tomorrow. F Troop has lost 3 rats so far. We will be at New Market Oath as well, and I also extend an invitation for rats to join my family for the picnic lunch, and dinner (if allowed to sign out with our family on a "dine by invitation" permit). Let me know if your rat needs a surrogate family next Sunday!
 
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TRexMama said:
DS just called from St. Pat's! Rat Crucible is later today and later this evening they should have expect to have permission to use their computers. They expect to meet their dykes this evening, or tomorrow, along with preparations for class. Shopping for books tomorrow. F Troop has lost 3 rats so far. We will be at New Market Oath as well, and I also extend an invitation for rats to join my family for the picnic lunch, and dinner (if allowed to sign out with our family on a "dine by invitation" permit). Let me know if your rat needs a surrogate family next Sunday!
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THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THIS ACCURATE! AND FOR THE UPDATES! I havent heard from my cadet for a couple of days - but know they are BUSY! This summer training is getting wrapped up and ALL cadets are getting ready for academic year! larrys mom
 
New Market

Thanks All for the Encouraging words and for offering to welcome my DS for NewMarket - please take lots of pictures !!!! - I will pass along the invite and if he doesn't have other plans, then I'll ask you for more particulars. I'll also tell him about going to church on Sundays and the ability to make calls through church. Thanks for all of this information. I hope that my DS will be able to see his mail today.
 
Yeah--just received a phone call!! He said last night was intense but he is looking forward to the Rat Crucible. He just met his Dyke and will get to spend time with him tomorrow (I think he said tomorrow--there was a lot of background noise). He also said they started straining the other day. I was good to hear his voice.

marjorieli--I am praying that you will be posting about a phone call soon.
 
Pontiac33 said:
Yeah--just received a phone call!! He said last night was intense but he is looking forward to the Rat Crucible. He just met his Dyke and will get to spend time with him tomorrow (I think he said tomorrow--there was a lot of background noise). He also said they started straining the other day. I was good to hear his voice.

marjorieli--I am praying that you will be posting about a phone call soon.
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Thanks !!!!! We're sitting by the phone ! It's OK if we have to wait a while.
 
We too had a call this morning from our DS. He said he doesn't remember too much of this past week, it seems to have become a blur! He said it was very tough though. He said most of the cadre are very anxious for the new rats to survive...with one exception. Lots and lots of yelling all round but he had expected that. Also he mentioned lots of pressure. Poor thing has had a mild flu for the past few days. Every other day they had uniform fittings and most of the demerits he racked up were for something out of place on the uniform. ...trying to think what else was said. It seemed a long phone conversation and I let him talk trying not to ask too many questions but dying to know all about how he was handling everything. He was tired maybe more weary and just praying to get past this evening. He did say that roughly 15 didn't make it through. He seemed sad about that but I had to remind him that it is not for everyone, better to find out now. But girl-power is strong, they all seemed to survive the week. Yeah!
So that's as much as I can recall, hang in there those that haven't heard, they will have access to computer tonight or tomorrow. No Skype or FaceTime allowed I believe. We won't make it to New Market as we are too far away, I envy you being there. I am also grateful for this forum and sorry if I have gone on too much but I read the posts from other parents and I really appreciate all the input....oh and thanks so much to the person who handed him the phone!
 
Chirish Mom said:
He did say that roughly 15 didn't make it through. He seemed sad about that but I had to remind him that it is not for everyone, better to find out now. But girl-power is strong, they all seemed to survive the week. Yeah!
So that's as much as I can recall, hang in there those that haven't heard, they will have access to computer tonight or tomorrow. No Skype or FaceTime allowed I believe.
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You are correct... Skype is a No No in Barracks, but the laptop is portable and they usually have a host family on Sundays. If they are lucky enough to have the internet you may be able to Skype while your Rat is there. Also Face book chat is not allowed but Face Book messaging is okay because it is considered a form of e mail. I found that to be the best form of quick contact and response for DS last year. DS had a rough time with one or 2 that dropped out last year, but it didn't seem to be a lingering problem. They are SO busy that they don't have time to dwell on those that quit. I hope the Rat Mass does well.. the group instructing them has it together per DS so I suspect a quality class come this spring :) You All should be very proud.
 
Just received a quick message...Hell Week is over! Thank God!..
Onto the next phase..
thx bjkuds will keep the FB on constantly!
 
DS just sent me an email to my phone - "The Eagle has landed." Yay! I guess that means he has his computer!!!
 
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