Been popping in to see what is posted here every so often. It has been interesting to see the comments of the different posters on the different experiences. We have had a little different one for our DS in the class of 2020. It has been a whirlwind 12 months for DS. He reported to school at the end of June 2016, we were able to talk to him for 5 minutes on the phone 2 weeks later, and then another 5 minute call a week after that. then, he was able to access facebook messenger and our main form of communication is messenger ever since. We were able to go visit him for his sporting events, but only got him off campus and into a hotel two nights, once during acceptance and the second at parents weekend. At the end of the first trimester, at the end of October he did have a week off, and then another 3.5 days at Thanksgiving. He came home for about 10 days at Christmas. He had a week at spring break, and we were able to swing it so we could run to
Disneyland a couple days over that break, and then was home at the end of the third trimester for about 5 days this week, but is now back getting ready to work the class of 2021 which reports on Tuesday. 57.5 credits along with some classes that are required but not for credit, all successfully completed. Has moved rooms, and changed roommates 7 or 8 times. jammed a finger during the initial couple weeks, and had a slight concussion on the pitch, but otherwise healthy. Had a former USSR rocket scientist for physics 1 and 2, made it through calc 1 and 2 among others. Has learned how to fold his clothes, make his bed, sleep under his desk so as not to wrinkle the bed, hide his woobie during inspections, square corners, salute, march, run, memorize a little book, eat fast, shower faster, write and study by the light coming under the door after lights out, and, take oaths to the school and the country. Had good times and bad. Formed friends that will probably last a lifetime. And, in April was recognized and technically was no longer a plebe but fourth class. Learned that summer whites are much better for free stuff while traveling than dress blues, and that people like to do things while he is in the whites like buy lunch, give him vouchers, allow him into the airline clubs, jump ahead of nearly every line there is. He has learned that most people respect him, or at least the uniform, and he has learned to be humbled by that. Probably the most humbling was when we were ushered in through the families door at the 9/11 museum because of him. All in all, a pretty good year. some of the same trials as others have, some different, but, all conquered. Now onto third class year.