Arielle Eaton

Soul Sista's Muffins

I sincerely apologize for this belated post. On top of a crazy schedule, heinous workload, and a computer error (which erased my last post), I haven't been in the proper form to write to you all. However, I have not forgotten! Coming back from Spring Break has been quite the transition, much like last year had been.

It is amazing to me how one, single week of getting away from life on the Hill can through off a routine. Late nights gabbing with Flip Flops, going for trail runs in an unfamiliar place, family meals with new people...what a wonderful way to spend the break. But, now, we are well back into the swing of things. The work load has been intense, but perhaps it only seems as such because the end of the year is near and we are all amping up to finish strong.

So much has happened amid the work, it seems impossible to keep track! I have been working hard for The Northfield News and an article is due to come out soon regarding the dangers of Anonymous and WikiLeaks (but we will save that for another blog). The Guidon has kept me buzzing around campus and the hard work has paid off as my feature piece about disqualifications from military service has made the front page. That story means a lot to me, so that was special to see and share with others.

Additionally, the wonderful workers at Sodexo accepted a recipe that sent in for my own "Trail Mix" muffins :) They have been in the Chow Hall for the past two days and I am happy to hear that they were a hit! Cooking and writing are two if my greatest passions alongside service to others, so I am elated that they should be appearing again as a regular item! And what would a healthy power snack be without the exercise needed to indulge in such a reward?

Well, I just finished up physical therapy after about a year and half of pain. It will take time to completely heal, but I never thought that I would be well enough to make it to this point again :) As much as I dislike running, I feel so much more empowered knowing that I CAN run somewhere if I so choose. There is a beauty in being ABLE to DO something without being held back by pain or undeniable damage.

More soon!

Very Respectfully,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

The definition of Family

"I missed you!" he said, wrapping me a warm hug. We looked nothing alike. We shared nothing, not even a last name. And yet, he called me his 'sister', failing to adorn the title with the technical "step" attached.

First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank those who gave such wonderful and supportive comments on my blog post "Shattered Dreams". I cannot put into words (no matter how bold or how pink) how much that support means to me as more than just a student, but as a young woman trying to figure her way into the world.

I am here now, in the comfort of my Rook sister (my Flip Flops') home, for Spring Break. I find it funny how, no matter how much has changed, her and I are still so close. We understand each other's humor, references, and feelings. It is such a deep bond, that of sisters, that is beautiful because we developed it by choice (and perhaps necessity at times last year) and not by virtue of birth. I am not sure if anyone can relate, but truly seeing how strong our sisterhood is over these few days outside of NU has made me realize how close I am to my own family members not of blood relation.

I turned the corner toward the busy food court of the bustling mall. "They must be on the otherside, so we ne--," Flip Flops and I had been trying to meet up with him and his girlfriend, Sarah. He, the older brother I had never had until 2007 when our parents (his mother, my father) married, came all the way across the state line to see me. Me: just his step-sister to outside eyes, but his sister according to him. It meant a lot to me that he went out of his way to come and see me, even if only for a few hours and only to walk around a mall. That is family, blood realted or not.

I would never go so far as to say that all Rook siblings take the place of actual family, so please do not mistake my message, but I have come to believe that 'family' is defined by more than who shares your DNA. The bonds you build with others outside of the genetic scope, whether with a step-parent or a close friend...even a Rook sister, are as strong as you choose to build them. College is such a wonderful opportunity to meet those people who will be a part of your 'family' and to realize the strength of the bonds you have had for years before flying-the-nest.

On a similar note, as has come to fruition for my dear Rook sister, one also realizes how some friend ships wear away with time and space. I, being a well travelled military brat, have had this reality check a few times over after moving around. But, for her, going back home to find friendships lost in memory is difficult. Some bonds will not fade, like the one between the two of us or even between myself and my three (technically step-) siblings, and those are the ones that count.

What's black and white, and read all over?

Whether to a green high school graduate blandishing their dipolma or an older soul back in the classroom for the challenge of balancing a career and classes, choosing to go to college is choosing time. Time to explore, to really sit down and think 'what do I want to do?'

There are many people, many successful people, who throw themselves into the work force or enlistment and charge straight on in their careers. But, then there is the choice to expand one's horizons and to learn not only about American history and Calculus, but about their own passions. I was asked once if I have ever swithched my major or if others often do. Well, while I figure out what path to take since my roadblock, I have had to put a lot of thought into...well, the rest of my life. This is not by any means, dear Class of 2016, that you must decide RIGHT NOW. You have time. Personally, I fell into the perfect major for me and have not switched but many (many, many) people have and do all the time. Don't be afraid to explore a little, this is what college is about. Curious by nature, I love asking questions. I love meeting new people and uncovering answers that prove me wrong. I love writing and radio, editing video clips and staying up all night just to find the perfect word to close out my article. I love sitting in hour long interviews and having my story 'ripped apart' in a single edit.

I know that this is what I want to be a part of when I graduate here. Where will that diploma in Communications with a Criminal Justice minor take me? I do not know....but hopefully everywhere. I think my favorite part of my niche at NU is getting to meet so many different people with so many different perspectives. I am constantly being enlightened and led through the blindness of youth to the light of reality. It's amazing to see one issue from the perspective of a student, then to see the truth behind it as it comes down the chain of command.

I encourage everyone to open their eyes! Go talk to people (try my passion on for size if you want something new) and see what you want to study. I know why I love my passion, do you?

v/R,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

A lot of work, a little laugh, and the non-existent desire to have it any other way....

Long nights (early mornings?) in the Communications building listening to a blend of Elton John and Lady Gaga as the work just seems to pile up. I joke that I live in the 'Comm' building, just as I seemed to last year. Always hacking away at some assignment.

I think it's interesting how we all find different niches within, not just NU, but within the world. After so long of defining myself, my educational and personal path, by the very goal that has now fallen out of reach, I have come to find a new perspective on college. I have found that I really am passionate about my major in Communications, I cherish the relationships I have developed here, and pulling an all nighter is completely worth it so long as you can play Billy Joel's best hits in the background.

It has been difficult still to redirect my feeling of purpose here at a military school since I am unsure of what I want to do now that my 'plan A' is not possible right now. How I combat that lost feeling, which I am sure most upcoming freshmen can attest to, is to remember what I have done and I have been looking into everything that my major offers. LinkedIn has been a great resource to connect with alumni and see what else is out there. I encourage everyone to connect with the alumni

As we approach midterm exams and Spring Break, I am only feeling the 'crunch time' rush that comes with this time of year. Not to mention the chills due to the freakish weather. It is hard to see through the studying, interviews, notes, and red glow of the alarm clock, but the upcoming break will be much needed after everything that has been whirling around. Well, here is another morning in my 'home' met with tired eyes and no desire to walk back to barracks in the cold! To all the current students who know what this feels like: keep it up! We are almost to Spring Break!

More tomorrow!

Very Respectfully,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

Shattered Dreams....and how to wake up.

     I had been sitting there for about half an hour, laughing and joking with the people buzzing in and out of the small, hidden office on the bottom floor of Jackman. Somehow we all crammed in there, all types of people from all different backgrounds with all different stories as to how we ended up there. And yet, we all shared one common goal: getting in.

     For four years I had strived to meet the standard, then to exceed the standard.  And in the thirty seconds it took to flip around a sheet of paper, four years faded into my empty hands.

     This will probably be the most personal and real blog that I have ever posted, so I ask you all to bear with me.  Last week, I found out I was disqualified and would not be able to serve in the military in any capacity at this time.  I had exhausted every option available and left no path untraveled.  I never gave up hope and never took no for an answer. I gave no one the power to say that I did not try.

     But, in the end, it wasn't enough.  I was devastated and lost now in what to do.  What standard, if not the military standard, am I to strive to go above and beyond? To whom, if not America, am I accountable to with my honor and integrity? How will I, if not through military benefits, pay for school? What am I to do with my life if not to serve?

    So many questions, so many fears.  I am not alone. This is a reality for many, not only those looking for a contract or commission but for anyone who has been discouraged from their dream.

     So, I want to share a bit of a hard lesson that I learned in reality.  I went to my dorm and mulled over my questions, not knowing what to do. I went immediately to my Flip Flops (my Rook Sister and closest friend) and vented to her. I leaned on her for comfort, but I couldn't see any solutions. Logically, I knew that this could happen and I had set myself up for the worst. I had been going to the Career Development Center for a while before I got the final word on my ability to serve. But, I still felt lost.

     Then I called my parents.  It took me a while, but I finally got up the courage to call home.  They have never set a precedent for me, I never HAD to serve like my father (an LTC in the Army) but it was something that I wanted to do.  They always told me not to do anything to impress them and as long as I did what I wanted with my life then I would never disappoint them.

     Well, I felt like I failed.  "You tried everything, you never gave up," my father said.  "You really worked for it and I am proud of you."  It was hard to swallow, but hearing him say that he was proud of me for my determination in the face of something hopeless somehow meant more to me than if I was calling him to tell then that I was going to MEPS for enlistment.

     An hour later after speaking to both of my parents, I hung up with the mindset of "ok, time for a wake up."  "Cry now," my mother said, "but when you are done tonight, move on to something better.  Make them wish that they had taken you."

     What I want to get across from this story (this very real story) is that when you fall down, do not quit. Try.

     I cannot tell you how many times I have fallen down as I tried to enter the military, which getting into the service is a very common goal here, but I kept getting up. Up, down, up, down.  And, in the end, I feel stronger for being able to get up after so many 'hits'. I am proud of that.  Now, though it is still sore and I am admittedly still writhing over what could have been, I am pursuing the 'next step' with full conviction.  I am not done trying yet.

     Each person at NU who had traveled with me down one path toward a contract or another had extended a hand to me, offering to help me look at my 'other options'.  NU's network of connections is as accessible as walking into the Career Development Center or visiting an administrator or faculty member and saying "What do I do now?"

     I invite you all as my readers to journey with me in my next few posts as I figure out where I am going now and how I am going to go beyond a boundless standard.  For those hundreds of students facing this same disheartening issue: Do not give in. Try.

Very Respectfully,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe.....

Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe.....That is how I landed in Air Force ROTC. To back track, I was just as lost as you deliberating soon-to-be graduates may feel. I had been denied a scholarship by the Army and dettered from the Navy....no way I would survive the Marines. So, before going to NU I had two options: try the Air Force or give up. I had gotten accepted into my second dream school and could simply go as a civilian who tried.

Well...I'm not a quitter. I knew NU would be more of a challenge than another school even with an ROTC unit. My father, a LTC in the Army, did not raise me to avoid challenge even though it seemed pointless if I couldn't contract.

So, I went with the only other option available to me at the time so far as a scholarship or contract. I love the AF det. here, even now though I cannot contract with them. I kind of chose NU and the AF with only an inkling of what I wanted and only an iota of a hope.

As I hope you may know from my other blogs, I love this school and don't regret giving up my other options at all. I respect the Corps and the way in which this whole experience has changed me, even as the Corps itself changes. You (Sam who commented on my previous blog) are correct in that the NIB (Norwich Independent Battery or Artillery Company) has been dratically changed. As it now stands, the former NIB is now the Field Artillery Battey (FAB) and will include only contracted Army cadets. However, there are still other activities and units that are available to other groups of students that are not offered elsewhere. Do not be discouraged by one closed door (the Army door closed for me, but I went looking and found the Air Force left their door cracked for me). Choosing which accenptance letter to frame and which to toss is difficult, trust me I know. But, I personally wanted to do something that I never thought I could. I did not want a normal or only semi-different experience....I wanted to go all out. And I found that at NU. In the end you have to decide what will make you happy. What do you want out of your college experience? Who do you want to become?

Very Respectfully,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

From boots to buns...

   You asked me before what it was that I wish that I had know before NU.  What questions did I wish that I had asked?  Well, I think you've certainly asked a few good ones!  I admit that I still stand by my 'blissful' ignorance policy when jumping into training, but I am happy to help with the basics :)

     I LOVE my Danner ACU boots. They have been through EVERYTHING with me (from my Dog River to, well, this year's Dog River).   The best place to look are through your Army/Navy surplus stores, PX, AAFES, or the companies directly.  Nike makes running boots that I heard were excellent, but it is all about you.  I recommend insoles though. But, no matter where you go: BREAK IN YOUR BOOTS BEFORE COMING HERE.  I cannot stress enough the importance of taking those lifesavers for a walk a few times (go for walks, a short hike or two) and getting used to them.  Trust me, you will thank me later. 

     For your hair....you will learn.  I thought I had regulation hair when I cut it, but I was wrong.  As a woman at NU, your hair defines you.  As silly as it sounds, it is the one thing that seperates you from the men, it is your sense of individuality and feminism.  Take pride this summer in practicing slapping on some gel and getting your hair into a slick, professional ponytail.  Wrap it around the hair band and secure with small, nylon bands (like the ones used for holding braids or cornrows) and bobby pins.  Experiment with pulling a ponytail through a sock doughnut and covering the sockbefore wrapping your hair (sock bun).  There are so many possibilities!  Later on, you will have more time and opportunity to play with professional looking braids and styles.  My signature is my 'poof' (created after much time, effort, and getting in trouble for my hair :) )  It is all about you as a female in the Corps, so have fun with it!

    Our bathrooms (called 'latrines') are communal, most have two stalls that are shared (like a locker room).  None of us were ever nervous about sharing a shower stall because we were always rushing so much it was just enough to be clean! 

     Do you have any more questions?  Please let me know (and that is for anyone!)

Very Respectfully,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

As for your

The Wondering Mind

Questions, questions, so many questions :) Thank you very much for putting enough faith into me to ask so many queries. I am honored to answer any and all of them to the best of my ability!

While I myself have been a diehard Communications major from the start, I know many people who have changed their majors. College is all about finding what you want to do, what is going to bring out the best in you and pave the way for your success. The professors here are more than knowledgable on how to translate credits and guide you through figuring out what kind of degree you want to walk away with. Just come with an idea of life and let the experience change your mind :)

Moving on to the most difficult of this NU forum- What do I wish that I had known prior to Rook Arrival Day? Wow. It is so easy to think of all of the tricks with rolling socks or making racks....with sprinting in and out of the shower but always coming out clean....with learning how to perfectly cram as much stuff as possible into a trunk without having to sit on it to close it (a common occurrence in my room). There are so many things that would have made it EASIER. But, I am so glad that, before Rookdom, I DIDN'T know how to roll a pair of socks NU style or how to make a hospital corner. I am thankful that it took so much time for me to figure out how to get my hair in a perfect bun while getting dressed after a dash into the shower after PT in the morning time so early that most human beings would not fathom batting an eye. I am glad I had to be resourceful ON MY OWN when it came to figuring out what I could actually keep in my trunk that I needed versus what just had to go because it wasn't necessary. Really, the learning process, all of the hard stuff that you get yelled at for and in trouble for, is the most important part. You will learn to trust yourself after going from literally knowing nothing about how to survive a day of Rookdom, to teaching yourself every trick in the book. So there is nothing more I wish that I had known....except to tell my family that sending me a HUGE care package of cookies that WOULD NOT (no matter how many Rooks sat on my trunk) fit in my footlocker.....not a good idea.

This year I am the Master of Fitness for Cavalry Troop, so I run Corps PT (for non-contracted cadets) for those in Cav Co. I am very proud of my job and all that it has taught me about my leadership style. I have learned that I am very 'maternal' (even last year with being called and still referred to as "Mom" by my Rook buddies) in how I lead, even when it comes to PT. I do not pretend to be a PT stud and I like to learn from those in my group, but I guide them and help them to the best of my ability despite the fact that many are my peers and upperclassmen. As a Corporal, I do not lead freshmen (that comes next year with the option to be a cadre) but I have shadowed a Platoon Sergeant for a Rook platoon. The experience was wonderful and I thought often about my Drill, who I still respect today. However, my leadership style is not what that position calls for and I think that I would be better and more of an asset to the Corps as a Rook 1st Sergeant. I will see what the future holds in my Junior year, but I do hope to help develop the future Rooks as leaders.

That is all for the moment as I just heard the nightly bugle call, but I promise that I will be back to answer more questions as well as any new ones that pop up!

Until next time,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Journey

    First off, I would like to congratulate Sam and all of those aspiring Rooks!  If you follow through with Norwich's offer of acceptance, you are in for the time of your life!

    I have been asked for advice about entering the Corps, and I honestly do not believe that there is anything that I could say here that could qualify as the Rookdom 101 Handbook.  Understand that everyone's experience is different no matter what school you go to, whether you are civilian or Corps.  Everyone is different and everyone will handle each situation differently.

    I cannot tell you how many times I watched my Rook brothers take on a challenge last year with such ease that I could never fathom being able to pull through without them.  For some, the seperation from home coupled with the rigourous requirements (both Corps and academics) will be easy and unchallenging.  For others, myself included, the stress of Corps life was and continues to be something I am proud (and shocked) to be able to get through.  For me, academics have always been a welcome challenge, however physical training and asserting myself are two areas I fall short in.  Many of my peers are the opposite, but we have managed to learn from one another by going through that first year together...by taking the path less traveled.

    Rookdom changes each year - the standards, the tasks, the leaders - but the value remains the same.  I cannot give you much advice about how to best get through Rook year, but I can tell you that you will come out of it having learned so much more about yourself and how you fit into society when you are stripped down to your morals, mental strength, determination and character.

Congratulations, again, and please do not hesitate to ask questions if you have them!

 

Very Respectfully,

C/CPL Ari Eaton

Lost in the New Year

     The sun was ducking into a blaze of orange and pink flames, as if taunting me as it stole the color and light from my path.  I looked left and right, breathing in a controlled rhythm with each stride.  "Where am I?" I asked myself as I sped past the same, or at least what appeared to be the same, unfamiliar road sign for a third time.  The orange light of the evening slowly faded into nighttime darkness.  "Hurry," I could hear the sun call.  But, I was lost in a familiar place.

     What a way to start the new year: lost.  I was out running in my 'new' rural neighborhood - wherein my family had more recently moved while I was away - and while lost in thought about the new year, I became lost myself.  So many roads, some paved and some dirt.  So many signs, some with clear, bold lettering and some faded or broken.  I felt myself losing time to find my way back to our street as the light was stolen into the night. 

     This is iconic of sophomore year in college for many persons who I felt were somehow running with me, all of us lost in what to do.  It has been for the past couple of years now that military scholarships have become more and more competitive.  Civilian work is difficult to come by.  So where does that leave us, the young college kids with barely an inkling on what to do with our degrees when we do graduate?

     Sadly, these were the thoughts I brought with me into the new year as I celebrated at home with my family (to include my father who came home for a short break from his work in the Middle East!).  However, just as I found my way back to my house that evening, with just a dying sun ray to spare, I do believe that we will all find our way when the time comes.

    I know that I have had to open my eyes to the reality of the times since the announcement of military cutbacks and the continued ambiguity of the job market,  With that said, I encourage all students and parents alike to keep up with what is going on in the world, start exploring all of your options as far as what path to take upon graduation.  It is daunting, but not impossible.  Do not become lost in the economy, the job market, or the world of today for that matter and do not lose sight of your dreams and goals.  It is well worth the research to open your horizons.  Get excited about your future!

 

     I hope that everyone is enjoying the new year!  I have been loving the time spent visiting with my family, taking in the changes that occur each time I am away.  However, I do so miss my niche at Norwich and the place that I have made for myself.  I still find myself talking about NU all the time and constantly calling upon my friends on the Hill when no one else seems to understand my stories or jokes from school.

 

Until next time,

C/CPL Ari Eaton