To the questioner regarding VMI> I sent this on to my daughter to get her responses as I thought that might be of more help. Also, I think you can respond to my email address if you want to get intouch with her to get more/detailed/whatever answers.
For quesiton 1: He dad and I were/are very supportive of her decision. At this point, she does not plan to commission ( her dad retired AF 30 years.) That may change. Either way, the education is phenominal. Bear in mind though - it is very tough! Tough, mentallly, physically, emotionally and academically. The hardest thing has been watching some of the ratline experiences, though those are the things she takes more in stride.
It is not a school for wimps. She has had a rough road with knee problems, foot problems, etc. Therefore, it is hard to watch from a parent's standpoint. No one wnats to see their child having difficulties. That said, we also know beyond a shadow of a doubt she will come out of this a much better person. (Though she was already pretty great to start with
] Anway, the alum stick together.We ahve seen first hand students who have jobs before they graduate ( in their respective fields) just through alumni. It is a great resource.
There are opportunites for parents to see their students throughout the fall (ratline) though you would think not. Students cannot have cell phones their first year, but can use internet and our daughter has the opportunity to borrow a phone and call at least once a week. So we are not incommunicado.
There is also a great parent council there to helps parents struggling with their student. They can be a great help. Two big points though - as she mentions, you should not come here for ANY reason other than because YOU want to and it will really help you if your parents are on board.
We hope this helps. Her answers follow mine. Good luck with your decision. If you should decide to email me, please say in the subject column "regarding VMI" so I know it is you! Have a great day and enjoy your junior fall year!
Answer for number 2:
It is a definite shock. The people aren't really different since its fairly mixed, but we have a statue and an arch dedicated to Stonewall Jackson. I can't really say that the school really as a whole supports the north or the south anymore, but it puts alot of emphasis on the Civil War and VMI's piece in it.
Also, the weather and food are a bit different. We are in the mountains, but it still reaches 90s in the summer and single digits (if not lower) in the winter with alot of humidity in summer. The food is more southern. Biscuits and gravy, grits, fried chicken, etc. Don't know if that really counts, but I don't think some of my more northern friends had ever seen grits.
#3
Depending on the branch choice at VMI, you could have different experiences. As of this year, only Army goes on field triaining exercises. The Air Force allows you to sign up for the Civil Air Patrol and go flying on Sundays. The other branches still do branch-related activities, but most are kept on post. When applying for a scholarship, be sure to think about 'Do I really to work for _____ for the next 4 years?' I've had multiple friends who have joined branches and found out the hard way that it wasn't for them. Different branches have different rules about being able to drop scholarships, but be sure you look through it carefully.
#4
The military can be a scary idea. For some its just a natural path, others need to really think about it. If you have done your research and know what your options are, then you are a little more prepared. The military has alot of great benefits and its share of consequences. Depending on your career, you could be shipped overseas, but not necessarily in harm's way. What alot of people don't understand is that not every member of the military sits in a tank with an M-16. If you commision, you immeditately cut down your chances of getting that job.
The military can pay for college, gives you great medical and housing benefits, the list goes on. I will say that based on your ASVAB score, you may not get the particular job you want right away. But, like I said, commisioning can change the whole thing.
VMI is NOT for everyone. And I say that with the greatest sincerity. You have to be here because you want to, not for anyone, not for the resume, not to prove a point. if you are set on the military, then it is a great option. I've heard people say the VMI is harder than basic, I can believe that. But if you change your mind on commisioning, it is still great for the civilian world. The skills you learn here are hard to replicate in any other way. Many grads have careers waiting for them beforethey even graduate. There's not many cadets who graduate and end up working at McDs to pay the bills.
Plus, VMI will take care of you. The faculty are here because they love their jobs and will wait hand and foot to get your grades up. There's a center here specifically to get academic help, to get tutors or to have someone help you with papers or even help you plan out your day more efficiently. They have a hospital with a nurse on call 24/7 and a real hospital down the road, and a counseling center to help with emotional stress. On top of all that, the bond you create with your brother rats is amazing. There is always someone to help you, even 50 years down the road.
I hope all of this helps!
Very Respectfully,
Rat EM
Alpha Company
