cadet blogs

October is both stressful and awesome. Although we have midterms (I have three on the same day) and regular homework building up, the Corps of Cadets always looks forward to “Halloween on the Hill,” which is an event that takes place on Halloween. All of the cadets, including the 4/c, dress up in their Halloween costumes, have a dinner during which we vote on the best, funniest and scariest costumes, and then trick or treat on the hill where the Superintendent lives. It’s a fun morale event for everyone.

This past weekend was Parents’ Weekend here at the Academy. Our parents are able to come visit us, go to our classes, and see our dorm rooms. It’s always nice to watch my dad slowly fall asleep in my classes, and going through an average day gives all parents in general a hint of how hard we work to maintain academics, athletics, and military professionalism. I was also able to go home for a couple of days and relax. I have not had a chance to sleep past 9 a.m. in about a month, and it was glorious.

Coming back into school as a 3/c is completely different than last year. It’s nice to actually know what’s going on, and, of course, to be able to look around and talk to everyone. We definitely have a lot more responsibilities now though, too. I have two 4/c that look up to me, so it’s important for me to be a role model for them. There are a lot of things I wish my upper class did last year for me, so I’m trying to do all of things for the 4/c in my division as well as on the soccer team.

More about Lindsay.

It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through our first semester of our 3/c year! It’s all gone by so fast! Once the year began, we all knew that this year would not be an easy one, but we are all pushing through it one day at a time! I have to say, being in a sport during the fall season has definitely saved me so far. Classes are very difficult and stressful, but rugby gives me the right outlet that I need. I did not rely so much on sports last year besides just being something that I loved to do. Now I find myself waking up early to work out and going to practice every day not only to clear my mind but to enjoy myself as well.

Even though this year brings about a lot of work, it also brings new opportunities. Last year, we were given the task of being followers, but now we have someone looking up to us. It is a very different dynamic altogether, but as a class I feel like we are doing a fantastic job with being role models for the 4/c. It is nice to have someone looking up to you. Not only does it keep you accountable in order to be a good role model, but it also gives you that leadership experience. I love this year so far. Even though it is hard and can be frustrating sometimes, the people definitely make it better. I don’t know what I would do without the people I have here with me.

More about Samantha.

With the start of midterms and Parents’ Weekend over I can officially say…all good things must come to an end. This past weekend was Parents’ Weekend and I was lucky enough to have my mom fly up for a few days. My family didn’t come last year, so when my mom said she would come up I was very excited. She got in on Thursday night and was able to hang out with me on base for a few hours before I had diving practice. She also got to come to diving practice with me and watch, which was awesome because it’s been a year and a half since she’d last seen me dive. She left base right after diving practice because I had a couple of tests to study for, but Friday morning she was back to go to classes with me. It was very nice to be able to introduce her to my teachers and show her the types of courses I am taking. Friday night the swimming and diving team put on a blue and white meet for the parents, which was a good sneak peak to how the season will go. Saturday we all drilled and watched the football game and then my mom and I drove up to Boston for the night. Boston was a lot of fun! We walked around and talked, but it was nice to be away from the Academy and wearing civilian clothes. We had to say our goodbyes Sunday night :( it was a tough goodbye because I won’t see her until winter leave, but I know I can always Skype or call her.

This week is pretty hectic with midterms, but I have written out a schedule of what tests I need to study for each night and I know the weekend is only three more days away! The corps got off to a good start this month, and hopefully the energy and morale will continue throughout October. I’m taking full advantage of my last couple of weekends off before they become consumed with diving meets on Saturdays and homework days on Sundays. I feel like I write this every time, but with application deadlines getting closer if you have any questions feel free to ask! Sara.E.Cantrell@uscga.edu I hope everyone has a great month and finds a really awesome Halloween costume!

More about Sara.

It’s now almost midterms third class year (sophomore year) and it’s a definite change from last year. Whereas last year was mostly basic introductory courses that everyone had to take, I’m finally taking major-specific classes. As an example, I’m an Electrical Engineering major and this year I’m taking Intro to Computer Programming, Differential Equations, Electrical Engineering I, Physics, Nautical Science I, Ships, Golf, and Racquetball. Last year I took courses like Chem I and II, Calc I and II, Statics, and U.S. Government.

It’s nice to finally get into a groove with the material I came here to study. While the work is much harder than last year, it’s also much more rewarding. I can actually enjoy some of the projects I do because they have actual application in my day-to-day work. As an example, because of what I learned in my programming class, I made a simple calculator program to solve for cross products in Physics. Just little things like this are what motivate me to stay in the Electrical Engineering major.

On top of the new privileges and the changes from being a 4/c to a 3/c, this year has been far better than last year in just about every aspect. During the summer, I had serious doubts as to whether I wanted to come back here or not, but decided to sleep on it and at least come back for a week. That short time totally transformed my opinion and made me realize why I came here in the first place.

More about James.

It was no surprise that transitioning back to academics would be a challenge, but I am happy to be an Operations Research major. This semester I am taking Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Physics, Professional Rescuer, American Government, and Organizational Behavior and Leadership. I have not had time to do anything besides schoolwork and volleyball. After volleyball I find myself working out in the gym so I can clear my head before I start my homework. Honestly, it has been difficult not to get lost in the cynicism associated with 3/c year. The role of a 3/c is less defined compared to the roles of the other classes in the corps; it is the transition year from a follower into more of a leader.

On the brighter side, the new company I am proud to be in (Hotel Company) is awesome and I have a great group of classmates to share the next 2.75 years with. I will say that life is better now that I do not have to square and take out everyone’s trash. I have more time compared to last year, as well, which is a positive. Now, our class just needs to finish passing our Boards Indoctrination test to get rec gear and Friday night liberty.

My parents came down for the MMA game and took my boyfriend and me out to dinner; it was great seeing them, as always, and I am going to see them for Parent’s Weekend, too! I always find it much easier to push through each day when I have little weekends planned with family or friends that I can look forward to.

More about Christina.