This is a significant period in the lives of you and your Yearling Cadet. They have made it thru the dreaded Beast Barracks, navigated the choppy waters of Plebe year, and now enjoy the status of being more senior cadets in the Corps, on their way to being leaders of the Corps of Cadets and Officers in the U.S. Army. WOW! Be proud.
BUT, remember, there's a long way to go and some things you should be aware of as the year gets underway.
Returning to WP: Many return to WP with mixed emotions. They've had some time at home and in many cases compared notes with friends from high school, many of whom report having a vastly different freshman experience than your cadet. In many instances it's hard for your cadet to even verbalize to friends how different life is for them, so many don't even try. Often they head back with a heavy heart, tho not always, missing the more relaxed pace of life back home and of the college experience that might have been had they opted for WAZU or dare I say Dogland. The doldrums can quickly set in if these feelings and perceptions are left unchecked. For most it doesn't take long to get back in line and look forward to what's ahead, instead of mulling over what might have been. And for some they are really ready to move on from the life that was. Their friends have developed many different interests in life and in many cases their best friends are at WP now, not back home and the strength and significance of this bond will get even stronger in year 2.
Leadership: They will be assigned a plebe to mentor this next year. This may be their fist test of leadership, certainly as cadets. I've had parents ask if it was appropriate to also mentor the parents of their cadet's plebe? The answer is NO, NO, NO. Let your cadet manage this relationship. It's how they learn.
Academics: They have a heavy academic load to master, perhaps the toughest of the 4 year load, and some new found freedom to enjoy. Continue to be supportive as they settle into the academy grind. Remind them of the counseling support that is available. Send some boodle to brighten their spirits. Call often or email, clippings from home, etc. Don't allow them to lose contact with the rest of the world as they attempt to survive Physics, and other wonderful courses. ALWAYS ENCOURAGE!
Declare a Major: be aware that they will soon have to make their choice for a major area of study,. They'll spend the next few weeks exploring their options. While not irreversible, it's also not as easy to change as it might be in any U, USA. They are on a strict schedule. Graduate in 4 years is the rule not the exception. They don't have a lot of flexibility to keep changing their mind. So what advice can a parent give? It's almost easier to suggest what you shouldn't do. For example, don't interject yourself personally in the process. As with almost everything else they do, this is their choice and they must learn to live with the consequences. I've known parents to ask to visit the Academy to witness department displays, talk to Professors about the best options from a career perspective, etc. DON'T. Sit back and listen, hold your breath if need be. Respond to any requests for info from your cadet in a positive way. In the end what counts most is that they pick a major that best suits THEM, something that excites their desire to learn, their passion for mastering the subject matter. Getting the degree is what matters most to the Army. Yes they will have some limits as to who can study what, but at the end of the day, those that succeed will all become the same second lieutenant.
Stay Involved: Encourage them to stay involved. In too many cases, those that had aspirations to compete in sports let those aspirations slip away. Now that they don't have to seek out the safety of a training table to better survive the attentions of the upper class, and as the pace of academics heats up, they can be tempted to withdraw from many of the extracurricular opportunities that abound. Encourage them to stay engaged, to participate. It will brighten their overall experience.
Out of the Limelight: As Plebes, they were special, always the focus of someone's attention. As yearlings they will largely be ignored. They're not senior enuff to perform in a leadership capacity, and the real upper class cadets are busy making life special for the Plebes. There in that in between stage. No plebe parent weekend to look forward to (except it may be an extra weekend off for them). This can been a good thing. Most sought to fade into the woodwork their first year. It's a well know survival technique. Now they can walk around more freely and just be ignored. I guess that's an improvement.
Honor Violations: Continue to be an issue, particularly as they juggle a demanding academic schedule. Caution them as the opportunity arises--AT ALL COSTS avoid the easier wrong.
Link to the admissions effort at Home: Some may have already participated in the school visitation program during home leave, but most don't until during their Yearling Year. Encourage their participation. They indicate a desire to do so with Academy officials and their TAC must approve at some level. As parents you may be asked to help coordinate the visit, but the Field Force still has primary responsibility. SO, if your hear something let us know and we'll make sure all the right folks are involved from the start.
You've Come A Long Way TOO!: Just as your cadet has grown and matured this past year, so have you as parents. When you think of where you were a year ago, during A-Day Weekend, and where you are today, it's a nite and day comparison. You also have been asked to assume a leadership role in both Club activities and for those so inclined, in the admissions process for the next class of prospective cadets. I am personally really impressed with the quality of the parents represented in the Class of '05. Individually and collectively you are wonderful people and from the Board's perspective, it has been a pleasure to serve you. Hang in there and continue to enjoy the ride, bumps and all. Fly your flag and think warmly of the very special education and training your cadet is receiving as part of a select group of sons and daughters from around the nation.
Finally: as always, let your Parents Club Officers or Field Force Representatives know if they can help. Even as yearling parents, issues will arise that deserve another viewpoint.
