Ivelliam Ceballo

A Night like No Other

Norwich is a world that cannot be explained. Merely words cannot give the experience the credit it deserves. The tradition of regimental ball is a part of the experience. Last night was a night that I'm sure my rook buddies and I will remember forever. We had so much fun with eachother on and off the dancefloor. We stuck together all night. Reminiscing on our time here so far, and anticpating what's to come. One picture is worth a thousand words, but not even a thousand words can describe what we're feeling.

Work as a Team, Grow as individuals

    We toured the first floor of Jackman Hall as a company. On the walls are portraits of each Regimental Cadet Commander since the foundation of Noriwch University from 1901- present time. It was moving to enter the room that withheld memorabilia from Norwich alum who are recipients of the Medal of Honor.

    Last Friday, we conducted our afternoon training as a company. Our Company Commander and 1SG effectively spoke to us about the impact that we all will make just by being at this University. They made us take eyes at the rook buddy to our left and the rook buddy to our right and an overwhelming feeling of camaraderie lifted in the air as they reached to us as fellow students and caring leaders. The young men and women that checked the box to live this lifestyle chose to be leaders. We were told that most of us wanting to join the service will come across each other at some point in time and be there for one another just like family.

    Lately, there has been a strong focus on teamwork. I’ve learned that you can’t do it alone, no matter what the task is it hand. Before meeting your goal someone helped you get there, during the process someone kept you going, and after someone commended you, but pushed you because they knew you could do more. I’m going through that process right now. It’s incredible the amount of leaders at this school that are willing to sacrafice their time to help another just to see their subordinate, their buddy, or their leader succeed. 

 

Streaming from the Hill

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Legacy of Honor

    So today I was going to post about the traditional Abare Picnic us rooks attended on Saturday, which was very fun by the way and a lesson I learned this week about honor and integrity, but Echo Taps tonight completely  owned my thoughts.

    Echo Taps is a ceremony the corps of cadets performs to remember, honor, and pay respect to Norwich alumni that have given up their lives in the service of our country- cadets join in a moment of silence for those who have done the same in other situations and circumstances on such a day’s anniversary like today, the tragedy of 9/11.  

    The regiment forms up on the upper parade ground without voiced commands. Rendering a ceremonial salute to those servicemen and women and their families was such a pivotal moment during the ceremony. Following the salute, “Amazing Grace” was played by the bag pipes and I was close to tears. Some of the lyrics to this hymn read, “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear. And grace my fears relieved.”

    These men and women and children and families and friends affected by this unforgettable day that brought our nation together were all courageous. We all feared the unexpected. These ladies and gentlemen were there putting others before themselves under the most stressful environment.

    Their bravery will never be forgotten. Norwich will always remember.

Northfield Clean-Up

    As rooks we are given the weekly task to learn and memorize different sections in the Cadet Handbook, familiarly called the rook book. We must have it with us at all times. On a side note, yesterday we were given a tour of the Kreitzberg Library and I had the opportunity to go up to where the University’s archives are located. I got to see the only publication left of the first rook book among other collections; we’re talking like a 192 year old publication. Norwich’s history is pretty incredible.

    Particularly, this week’s rookie knowledge, I’ve seen in action this weekend.

                     Mission Statement, 1843 Catalogue:

                    To give our youth an education that shall be American in its character to enable them to act as well as to think to execute as well as to conceive “to tolerate all opinions when reason is left free to combat them” to make moral, patriotic, efficient, and useful citizens, and to qualify them for all those high responsibilities resting upon the citizens of this free republic.

    Recruits from my platoon and our 1^st Squad Leader went out into Northfield yesterday to lend a hand to those that were affected by Hurricane Irene. The small town experienced really horrible flooding so much so that some homes were completely washed away. We helped tear down drenched drywall and insolation from basements, move damaged furniture, we got stuff done. The community includes Norwich faculty, friends, and neighbors.

    We fulfilled our school’s mission. Those working for the same cause shed tears and time and time again thanked our Squad Leader for our service. We all agreed to return today and do as much as we could do to make the lives of those who were going through a hard time just a little easier with our help. Most Norwich students have found the time to participate in the clean-up. Members of special units and clubs have been out there nonstop.

    This is just one example of how unique the education we are being given is. Outside of campus it was already second nature for us to practice the same respect, courtesy, and efficiency we have been taught in just these two weeks- And we noticed.

Welcome to Rookdom

    Rook Week is over. Rookdom now officially begins. According to those cadets who have already gone through rookie training, this is the hard part.

    This week was equally challenging as well as motivating. Repeatedly we were asked why we came here and forcefully encouraged to let that drive our endurance in the unique program.

    Today we completed the Dog River Run with our platoons in the middle of the downpour from Hurricane Irene, which definitely made the experience. Thank you Mother Nature.  I couldn’t believe I was actually in the river, I’ve heard stories about it for so long and now to finally be apart of the tradition was incredible.  The cold water, the mud, the rook family, the rocks, the motivational PT all just felt right. My experience was reassuring of the decision that I made to be here and the outcome of plans that I have in mind. I know what I want, if I push myself the posibilities are endless.

    This week I understood why Norwich really is the cream of the crop. My cadre stress the importance of professionalism, when to lock it on and when to be a college student. I think this is Norwich University’s most distinguished attribute. It is a military college.  

    I am really tired at the moment, soon getting ready to mount my rack and wake up to the unique college freshman year ahead of me. I’m excited for classes to begin tomorrow, marching  and executing facing movements along the gutter from one location to another should be fairly interesting, but I know that the rule helps improve our agility and military bearing.

     It really amazes me the amount of cadets and Norwich faculty behind rook training. So many support the decision that my rook class has made to accept this challenge, and that truly demonstrates the significant value of the experience. During a briefing we received this week, an alumni said, “It is a proven fact that if you graduate from Norwich you can pretty much do anything.”  I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to grow, improve, and achieve my goals.

RCT Ceballo

"What's In Vermont?"

    Have you ever experienced that moment of doubt, uncertainty, slight surrealism before you go ahead and do something? It feels like time sprang forward without your consent and suddenly you’re there- starting college in the fall now just days away. Not only are you about to move 1,452 miles away from home according to travelmath.com, but you’ve also chosen to live a bit of a different lifestyle than most college bound students. I chose to be a Rook, I’ve experienced that feeling.

    I’m Ivelliam Ceballo, or Ivy for those that admit to butchering names and close friends :) This summer I’ve learned to love the reaction on people’s faces after I answer their question on where I’m going to school. Since I’m from Florida, usually the ‘that’s different’ look follows a weather comment, but my favorite had to be, “What’s in Vermont?”  Cows, maple syrup, Ben and Jerry’s, mountains, and Norwich University of course.

    I will be majoring in communications and hoping to double in International Studies. I enjoy freelance writing and photography.I think it's beautiful the way words or an image alone can truly affect someone a million different ways and everyone differently. I also feel that it's vital that we gain a global understanding of things, because we're all so dependent on one another as countries and regions.

     I’m very excited for the challenges that rookdom has in store. Earning the privilege to be a part of such a distinguished corps of cadets will be worth it. My interest in NU sparked from my involvement in AFJROTC and was nourished by attending Future Leader Camp two summers. I need not mention the beauty of the campus. Maybe it’s because I’m from FL, and mountains and snow to me are like UFOs, a planetary phenomenon, but nevertheless it’s breathtaking.

    Lately, I have been sharing with friends and family before the clock strikes twelve and prepping for arrival. I’ll miss my family a lot, but I know where home is. I'm looking forward to attending the student send off event in our area this weekend with them.

    What honestly motivates me to endure rookdom is in the end simply knowing that I did it. Knowing what it took to make it and knowing that I never gave up. Have you ever felt like you could do it all no matter what after you’ve experienced that brief moment of uncertainty? I know the feeling.

    I hope you all enjoy reading about my adventures on the hill as much as I’ll enjoy writing about them. I’ll be sure to reply to your comments along the way.

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.”

-Raymond Lindquist