<p>Sam,</p>
<p>I’d like to get back to your original post. My daughter is a plebe at West Point. She also had admissions offers from wonderful schools and an ROTC scholarship. She has had a remarkable first year, but only if compared with her friends at civilian colleges. All of her WP friends, male and female, are having great experiences also. I love seeing her friends when she comes home for breaks. But what I hear about from these very smart kids is parties, drinking, parties, fun, and oh, yeah classes are good. </p>
<p>She has exhibited a strength that sometimes surprises me. She has successfully confronted challenges that would have made me back down (actually I would have backed down right away). She has made friends who she describes as so close due to the experiences they have shared. She said this is one of her surprises. The friendships are as strong as those with the kids she’s known and loved for years.The mutual support system she is a part of has not let her down and she is there for her colleagues. These feelings are very powerful and I’m sure many of the current cadets/mids are experiencing them also. On the gloomiest, darkest days she has not wanted to quit. On the best days she has been thrilled with her decision and all that it means.</p>
<p>And that’s the real point. It’s her decision. She wants this experience, warts and all, as well as the career that follows. If it is truly what your daughter wants, then she’ll make it her own great experience. If it’s not what she wants, then she’ll be in for a major disappointment.</p>
<p>Congratulations to your daughter and I wish your family all the best with the process. Please keep us posted on her decision.</p>