| My cadet has an AWESOME sponsor family, and I truly believe that the reason they all have such a good relationship falls on both sides. I know some of the cadets they sponsor rarely see them or go to their house (except during those times when the sponsors put out an "all call" like for a Super Bowl party and I believe they try to do some sort of everybody get together every couple of months), but they made it clear to my daughter that she was welcome to call whenever she wanted to come over and she is of the personality that she took them at their word. In my opinion, that helps the relationship; cadets cannot always wait for the sponsor to make the move. If they are busy, they tell her so and she knows it isn't because they don't like her, it's because they are busy and they come up with an alternative that works for all concerned.
Anyway, they have taken her to the city a couple of times to see some shows, she goes over there to do laundry and hang out, she has eaten numerous lunches and dinners at their family table, they have taken her to the airport, cooked her favorite meals for her from time to time, nursed her when she was sick, and truly become surrogate parents. They even took our extended family on a "backstage" tour of West Point during PPW and have invited us to stay at their house when we are in town. On the flip side, my daughter is interested in their children, truly likes them, spends time with them, helps out when she is visiting, is (probably) on her best behavior, asks their advice and respects their opinions.
So, when you get the chance to meet your potential sponsor family during the change of detail during Beast, put your best foot forward. Be personable, ask them questions, and try to get to know them. They can be key to your "survival" during plebe year. As a parent, I like knowing there is another "mom" who will step in when necessary. Although she and I communicate infrequently, there have been a couple of times phone calls have been made regarding one thing or another, and it's nice for me to know someone is watching out for my kid. They have given so much already and have made my daughter's life much more bearable this past year. I just wish there was something I could do for them in return. |