<p>I think a lot of positive outlook vs. cynicism can come from your company. Personally, I love my company and especially my classmates in company. I know they have my back and would do anything to protect me or help me out, which is the kind of camaraderie that the military tries to create (a cohesive unit, one where its members are so in tune with each other that they can almost communicate without talking, at least as I see it).</p>
<p>Of course, not everything’s perfect: rankings still seem to be based on popularity rather than the quality of leadership a person exhibits (I’ll admit, I’m guilty of giving higher rankings to those I spend more time with…when you’re in a closer proximity, you feel you know them better and so of course it’s going to seem like they’re a better leader to you), firsties who run a company seeming to be biased, people not getting billets that they want.</p>
<p>Still, there’s nothing like realizing how much of a bond you have with 140 other people who happen to be randomly assigned to the same company as when you’re home on break and think, “Gosh, I really miss my roommates…gosh, I really miss the guys down the hall…”</p>
<p>Or maybe that’s just me. 
ha. My mom says I accidently called Bancroft “home” when I was talking to her today, as in, “Gee, I can’t wait to get home and start next semester.”</p>