This is a special week as your "new" cadets march back into Garrison and
begin to settle into their new rooms and establish an entirely new set of
relationships following several intensive weeks of Beast. They have already
made some life-long friendships and will be reluctant to leave their Beast
buddies as they separate out into different companies. These friends have
been a security blanket during some challenging times as they struggled to
learn untold passages of knowledge, speak a new language, survive
significant challenges on very little sleep and buck-up against the special
attention they have received from any number of upper class leaders. They
are about to become "cadets," part of the Corps as signified by the special
ceremony that will occur on the parade field Saturday. For those of you who
are going, be prepared to see a difference in your cadet. They may seem and
sound a little more serious than you remember, a little less happy go
lucky, some may even be a little depressed that they won't be flying home
with you or to see you. These emotions will be mixed in with relief that
Beast is history and they have survived, anticipation about the homework
they have yet to complete for Monday's classes, etc.
As always, be patient and supportive. Listen but avoid prescriptions and
platitudes. It's all so new to them and for many, so different than they
ever thought possible. They will have many stories to tell. As these
stories grown in stature, West Point itself will grow on them. As each
month and year passes, they will develop a fondness that is hard to
appreciate in the midst of their first summer away from home. Help them to
see the future they dreamed of. It's still out there and they've taken a
giant leap forward.
Now they must reorient their thinking as they settle into the life of being
college students in the very special environment that is West Point. For
those of you who attended the Saturday Seminar last Spring, we talked about
some of the special help that is available to cadets. As you begin to
receive the first panicked calls about their first "C" or dare a I say "D"
grade in English, or whatever, simply encourage them to draw on those study
skills that got them to the Academy and focus. Don't panic! If they manage
their time and apply themselves, they'll do just fine. If they have any
doubts about what's being asked for, encourage them to ask their "P"
Professor for additional guidance. Don't fall behind, it just adds up.
Above all encourage them to take time to get even more involved in the many
clubs and activities available. It will expand their network of
associations and make the college experience even more rewarding.
Take good mental notes and be prepared to share your stories of your visit
with us when you return. Three final tips,
TIP # 1 - Don't keep them occupied too late on Sunday. They need some time
to get ready for Monday classes and they won't have as much free time as
they'd like Sunday nite.
TIP # 2 - Avoid PDA otherwise know as "Public Displays of Affection."
Everyone expects hugs and kisses in the shadow of Eisenhower Hall as you
link up with your cadet after the Parade on Saturday. But as you stroll
down the streets of Highland Falls or even around Campus, your cadet must be
aware of more senior personnel in the area and will occasionally have to
salute, render greetings , etc. It attracts undue attention when they are
entwined with significant others.
TIP #3 - Arrange a Meeting place before you get there. Pick one of the
statues (Ike is closest to the barracks, but there are many others nearby)
and specify a window (1-2, etc.) during which you'll meet. REMEMBER, they
won't just walk off the parade field and out to meet you. They will have to
secure their gear, pass inspection and be officially released before they
can head outside to for your reunion.
Finally, enjoy the weekend. You won't see them again until Thanksgiving so
make the best use of your time. Plan on several trips to the PX or
Commissary. If you have any last minute questions, please ask. We have
some great resources in our parent net to render advice and assistance.
