C/O 2012...So Is Anyone Else Extremely Nervous?

Champs06 · 04-13-2008, 10:04 PM

Is anyone else out there really nervous? I am not timid, but i get the butterflies just thinking about R-Day, followed by rigorous academics. As most of the C/O 2012 are athletes or athletic, R-Day does not scare me physically, i am positive i can keep up, but mentally i am terrified lol, memorizing the rules and all, anyone with me?

wpmom2011 · 04-13-2008, 11:15 PM

It's absolutely normal to be nervous. You'd be nervous if you were planning to go away to a university, too. You're making an important commitment, and it's understandable that you have butterflies.

Having said that remember that if Admissions didn't think you are capable of succeeding at West Point, they wouldn't have offered you the appointment. The athletics will be harder for some, while the academics will be harder for others. There are multiple support systems at WP to help the cadets in whatever area they need. You just can't be too proud to ask for the help that is available. The whole system at WP is designed to do everything possible for you to succeed.

The only way that you can fail is if you don't put the effort in. Report on R-Day with a good attitude and plenty of determination. When you feel overwhelmed, (and you will at some time) don't focus on the "whole" picture, but on each individual task. And most importantly, don't give up - and you'll be fine.

My d took AP and IB classes. She has told me that the academics at WP have been time intensive, but not necessarily hard. She felt her high school classes prepared her well. It's mostly about time management.

For right now, try to concentrate on enjoying the rest of your senior year.

inhibitor · 04-13-2008, 11:33 PM

I just got nervous today actually. I enjoyed my visit, and it made me anxious to get to USMA. Apparently there are some upperclassmen anxious to see me too. I'm going to be getting really Strong. Stronger than I thought.

PS. they really are watching.

FWDAD · 04-14-2008, 07:49 AM

That post script in the last post is true. Current cadets do read these posts. Feel free to talk about whatever concerns you have, but be careful about bragging about yourself and never, ever give them information that would allow them to tie your screen name to a real name. Don't get me wrong, the current cadets will want every member of the Class of 2012 to succeed, but there always seem to be a few cadets that get special attention. Special attention seems to follow folks that come across as cocky or make statements that make people believe that they think they are better than everyone else. Don't do or say anything that might cause you to get the special attention! Good luck going forward. You all are to be commended.

Ann · 04-14-2008, 09:26 AM

"R-Day does not scare me physically, i am positive i can keep up, but mentally i am terrified lol"

Champs06: I agree with everything wp2011 said. If you go with a positive attitude, willing to work as a team and determined to overcome challenges (and failures) one day at a time, you will be fine. A sense of humor helps too

.

Enjoy your last few months at home.

Triggs · 04-14-2008, 10:45 AM

R-Day is nothing compared to the rest of Beast. Just enjoy the free time that you have left and don't think about it too much. Reorgy week is what you should really fear but that's at the end of Beast.

edit: Also enjoy not cupping your hands while you still can.

WAMom68 · 04-14-2008, 11:34 AM

Champs06 -
During Beast take one day at a time or, if necessary, one minute at a time. Many others have made it and you will too.

Champs06 · 04-14-2008, 01:28 PM

Thanks all for your input. I was about to start asking what states people were from and their travel plans, but i believe FWDAD is right, and i dont want any special attention, for me or any of you

In a broad sense though, I plan on traveling about three days early to get used to the time zone change and change in climate

I hear it is really muggy. IF any former or current cadets are reading this...did you make your own plans or take the offered Carlson wagonlit travel option?

usservicemom · 04-14-2008, 03:06 PM

My son took the Carlson Wagonlit travel option. It all went smoothly. He enjoyed meeting the other candidates at the hotel, eating dinner with them, getting up early together to catch the bus, and standing in line with them at the beginning of R-Day.

Have you seen the 2011 R-Day pictures?

Reception Day 2007

Champs06 · 04-14-2008, 06:57 PM

I know I am travelling to my aunts house in boston (I live on the west coast...literally see the ocean) about three days ahead of time to get at least a little broken in to the climate change, humidity and all, and get the time zone change broken through, but I am def going to consider doing the carlson wagonlit travel option, and i agree that that would be a great opportunity to meet some other new cadets.

FWDAD · 04-15-2008, 07:55 AM

Champs06,

Don't take my warning to mean that you should not share information like where generally you are from or questions relating to travel plans. Those are not issues that will gain you any special attention and come up every year. It is also one of the benfits of this web site. Issues or statements to avoid are things like, "I am going to kick as* and take names during Beast" I am in the best shape of anyone that has ever attended Beast" "I have a copy of Bugle Notes and I have memorized the whole thing" "The cadre isn't going to know what hit them when I report" or "I attend Jesuit High School in Dallas, Texas" and the like. The other thing to avoid is putting your real name on this web site. And remember, sit back and enjoy the time you have left. R Day will be here soon enough. Congratulations on your appointment.

BGregory · 04-15-2008, 04:08 PM

Like most cadets our cadet is competitive. I could see his focus intensify as he saw other cadet canidates mingle on the streets of Highland Falls the day before R day. He chose not to memorize the Bugle Notes but had done a lot of push-ups and running. His boots fit well and never caused him too many problems. He had heard that the mental piece was likely the big hurdle. He came in with the viewpoint that it was a game. He focussed on things he enjoyed when getting screamed at. He slowly built relationships. He kept a sense of humor (at the right times). One way he vented was in letters. Some write, some don't. It helped him. He got through after losing 20 pounds. West Point has been a great fit and experience for him. Already, his new friends are becoming his closest. The more I am exposed to the people at West Point the more I am impressed. So many opportunities.

Champs06 · 04-15-2008, 06:31 PM

Thanks FWDAD, i understand what you mean with the comments. BGregory_so your son went to or is at west point. You said that he focused on things he enjoyed when getting yelled at. I was in NJROTC freshman year and hated it. I thought it was a joke. Whenever i got yelled at i ended up laughing and getting in trouble. they pretty much told me i could not come back the next year, not that i wanted too. I have changed a lot since freshman year obviously and i understand that west point is THE REAL THING, not some high school jrotc program, but i still want to make sure i take it 100% serious. what would you recommend as far as attitude goes when going in? people say keep an open mind and all, and as of right now my attitude is when i am getting yelled at, concentrate on what i am being rebuked for and work to fix it...is this not so? are we going to get yelled at for ridiculous things? and is it best when getting yelled at to just zone out and keep a straight face?...or to concentrate on the punishment because you deserved it? thanks for any advice

BGregory · 04-15-2008, 07:13 PM

Champ. Yes I have a son at WP. Those who have gone through it would obviously have more to say about attitude going in than I do. I do have some observations from talking with my son. Every one finds their way to cope and one size doesn't fit all. Stay alert, be strategic and tap into your strength. Ultimately, they want you to succeed. They don't have others filling your spot if you leave. They make leaving harder than staying for good reasons. They do want you to decide if this is for you and they have a proven process for helping you determine that. It becomes real clear very quickly who is at WP for the wrong reasons. If you can say that this is really what you want to do, outside of what mom and dad, grandpa and friends may say. If you are going for your reasons not theirs, then you will find the resources to dig deep when you need it. My son had good days and bad but I remember him telling me months later, "Dad I am here for the right reasons". That had to come from him not me. Live in 15 minute chapters and count the end of each a win. And yes, obviously there are times they are yelling at you to yell and you endure, other times you need to pay attention so you can make corrections. What an opportunity.

wpmom2011 · 04-15-2008, 08:14 PM

Champs: It's a system that you will get used to over time. I asked my d the following question at different times: "How are you liking it?"

Her answers at:
Mid Beast: What difference does it make, I'm here now.
After Beast: I like it some days.
Mid-Sept.: I like it most days.
PPW: I love it; I belong here.

BGregory is right when he says you'll need to dig deep. Then you will figure out for yourself how best to handle it. I suggest that you don't draw attention to yourself by laughing, and I wouldn't suggest zoning out. You'll need to stay on your toes. Keep in mind that there is a method to their madness and they've been doing this for many, many years.

I strongly suggest that you join a club or club sports team. The transition for my plebe was made much easier by her club sport teammates - was like an instant sisterhood. Also, her team had travel games, so she was able to get off post every few weeks. That seemed to help recharge her.

You are headed into such a great adventure!